NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt soccer head coach Darren Ambrose announced Friday the hiring of Casey Derkacz (pronounced Dur-kazz) as associate head coach.
Derkacz comes to Vanderbilt after spending the 2023 season as an assistant coach at Michigan State, where he helped lead the Spartans to a 14-5 record and their second consecutive Big Ten title. Michigan State advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history after earning an at-large bid for the second consecutive year.
“I couldn’t be happier to have Casey joining our staff,” said Ambrose. “He has proven himself as an effective recruiter and has been an integral part of winning programs at all stages of his career.”
“I could not be more excited to join a top-tier program like Vanderbilt soccer,” said Derkacz. “Darren has done a fantastic job building a successful culture and I am thrilled to be joining a championship-caliber team. I would like to thank Darren and his staff for trusting in my ability to help elevate the program as we continue to compete at the highest level of college soccer.”
Derkacz arrived at Michigan State from Buffalo, where he was on the staff for nine seasons including the last six as associate head coach. Derkacz’s responsibilities for the Bulls included serving as the primary coach for the field players, recruiting coordinator and prospect camp coordinator.
While at Buffalo, Derkacz helped lead the Bulls during a historic season in 2022 that saw the program claim its second regular-season Mid-American Conference championship and second-ever MAC Tournament title. Buffalo went on to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in program history. Derkacz’s efforts helped the Bulls to a program-record 17-match unbeaten streak that included 14 shutouts, tied for most in Buffalo history.
“He has a bright soccer mind and a deep understanding of the game, accompanied by a wonderful ability to communicate that knowledge to his student-athletes on and off of the field,” Ambrose continued. “Casey has a positive, engaging personality and will be a terrific addition to our staff as he assists us in our pursuit of another SEC championship.”
Derkacz played collegiately at both Penn State and Buffalo. He graduated from Buffalo in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance.
Derkacz and his wife Danielle, both hail from Hamburg, New York.
