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Floor Speech

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Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Jim DeRose on his retirement as Bradley University's men's soccer coach after 28 successful seasons.

Beginning his career in 1996 at the age of 28, and as the youngest coach in NCAA Division 1 men's soccer, Jim quickly emerged as a dominant figure in college soccer.

Under Jim's leadership, Bradley's soccer program reached new heights and resulted in a 2007 run to the NCAA Elite Eight, where Jim was chosen as the National Coach of the Year.

During his tenure as head coach, Jim held the record of 267 wins, 227 losses, and 66 ties, with seven NCAA tournament appearances, the highest of any coach in Bradley University athletics history.

In addition to his accomplishments on the pitch, the success of his players in the classroom and postgraduation are a testament to his ability to grow his players into successful young men.

Jim has been an integral part of the growing game of soccer throughout central Illinois and in college soccer, and his legacy will last for years to come.

It is my privilege to congratulate Coach Jim DeRose on his retirement after 28 years with Bradley University. We wish him, his wife, Robin, and his two children, Raleigh and J.R., all the best.

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