CHICAGO, Ill. - Chicago State University has named
Jesse Rosen, a veteran collegiate and club coach with more than two decades of player development experience, as the new assistant coach for the Cougars' men's soccer program.
Rosen arrives at CSU with a distinguished resume that spans NCAA Division I, junior college success, elite youth development, and professional playing experience. A former Division I standout at the University of Hartford, Rosen has built a reputation as a proven recruiter, educator, and program builder at every stop of his career.
"Jesse is a tremendous addition to our staff and to the Chicago State soccer family," said Head Coach Norris Howze. "His experience developing players at every level from youth national team prospects to high-achieving college athletes aligns perfectly with the vision we have for this program. Beyond his coaching pedigree, Jesse brings an energy and professionalism that will elevate our daily environment. Our student-athletes are going to benefit greatly from his mentorship, his standards, and his passion for the game."
Rosen most recently served as the head men's soccer coach at Malcolm X College, where he took over the program in 2014 and quickly elevated it into one of the region's most competitive teams. During his first five seasons, eight players earned All-Region IV honors, and his inaugural recruit, Idris Ayantoye, earned the NJCAA Pinnacle Award for a perfect 4.00 GPA and later graduated as Malcolm X's valedictorian.
Rosen's 2018 squad delivered the program's strongest season under his leadership, finishing 10-6-1 and securing a berth in the Region IV Tournament after placing sixth among 17 teams. Under his tutelage Malcolm X produced an All-American, 1 national scoring leader and 4 players on the national top 20 scoring charts. 14 MXC players have earned academic All-America honors during his time.
Before his tenure at Malcolm X, Rosen spent four seasons as an NCAA Division I assistant coach two years each at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. His recruiting classes at both programs produced conference award winners, scoring leaders, and future professional players.
Rosen also served as Director of Coaching for Bavarian Soccer Club in Milwaukee from 2006–10, where he guided the organization to historic milestones, including its first women's U-23 Wisconsin state title. Prior to that, he spent eight years with FC Milwaukee, helping lead teams to seven state championships, multiple regional semifinal appearances, and the development of numerous youth national team players.
In total, 15 of Rosen's players have earned U.S. Youth Regional team selections, and nine have represented youth or senior national teams across the United States, Ireland, and the Bahamas. Several of his former players have also joined the coaching ranks at the club, college and with the US youth national team programs.
A Milwaukee native, Rosen starred at the University of Hartford, helping the Hawks reach the NCAA Elite Eight in 1996 and earning team MVP honors as a senior. After college, he was drafted by the Mississippi Beach Kings of the Eastern Indoor Soccer League and later competed with the Milwaukee Wave, during the team's 2000 MISL championship run.
Rosen holds a U.S. Soccer "A" License, a KNVB Youth Coaching Certificate, and multiple certifications in talent identification, sports performance, and athlete safety. He has been an important contributor to several community initiatives including the Sanneh Foundation and currently the CJ Brown Foundation here in Chicago.
Rosen's arrival marks an important step forward for Chicago State men's soccer as the program continues to strengthen its competitive foundation and expand its recruiting reach.
"I'm honored to join Chicago State University and excited to work with the student-athletes, staff, and community," Rosen said. "This is a program with tremendous potential, and I look forward to contributing to its growth on and off the field."
