Lynn University Men's Soccer

John Rootes was hired as head coach of the Lynn University men's soccer team on March 31, 2008, becoming the fourth head coach in the history of the program. During his time with the Fighting Knights, he has become one of the most successful coaches in school history, posting an impressive 194-54-31 (.751) overall record, winning three NCAA Division II National Championships (2012, 2014, 2024) and claiming five Sunshine State Conference regular season crowns and three SSC tournament titles. In all, he has made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and reached the national title game four times. Additionally, Rootes has coached 26 All-Americans, 133 All-SSC picks and six SSC Players of the Year. From 2012-14, his teams had the highest team grade-point average in the nation among all NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA institutions. These numbers add to an already distinguished career which has seen him win three national championships as a head coach and take four schools to the postseason. Leading Lynn, Savannah College of Art and Design, Clayton State, and Southern New Hampshire, Rootes has compiled a 498-150-55 coaching record. Prior to becoming a head coach in New Hampshire, Rootes worked as the senior assistant coach under I.M. Ibrahim at NCAA Division I powerhouse Clemson University. As a player, Rootes was a four-year starter for legendary coach Barry Barto at Philadelphia College of Textiles & Sciences (now Thomas Jefferson University) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. R

Anthony Desperito was hired as Lynn University’s men’s soccer assistant coach on July 1, 2014.  A three-year letter winner as a member of the Fighting Knights (2009,