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Hannah Weiss

Men's Soccer Head Coach Dejan Mladenovic Adds Assistant Athletic Director Role

| By: JCUSID

Mladenovic will take on duties in the athletic department in addition to coaching soccer

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – A star Blue Streak in the John Carroll University Athletic Department is adding a new role.

In addition to his continued role as JCU's Head Men's Soccer Coach, Dejan Mladenovic '06 will be adding the title of Assistant Athletic Director for Special Projects.

Vice President for Athletics and National Engagement Brian Polian '97 announced the additional role for the veteran coach today. 

"I am very excited to announce the additional responsibilities for Dejan," Polian said. "He is an integral part of our organization and has proved himself capable of far more than simply instructing on the pitch. He is a strategic thinker, an exceptional builder of relationships, and a selfless teammate."

Mladenovic completed his fourth season as head coach last fall. The 2006 John Carroll graduate is in his 19th season as a member of the John Carroll Men's Soccer coaching staff for the 2024-25 school year. 

In his new role, Mladenovic will work to enhance collaboration between the 40+ coaches in the department and the administration. In the realm of admissions, Mladenovic will serve as the liaison to the enrollment office in order to improve efficiency in the recruiting process. The JCU  Athletic Hall of Famer will also work alongside the advancement office to improve fundraising within athletics. And finally, Mladenovic will take on specific strategic projects, to support Polian, particularly as the environment around college athletics evolves.  

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to the growth and success of John Carroll University," said Mladenovic. "My passion for our students and the Blue Streaks community runs deep, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues across campus to support the institution in new and meaningful ways. This is an exciting era for both our athletic department as well as the university, and I'm committed to helping John Carroll University continue to thrive both on and off the field."

John Carroll Men's Soccer just celebrated its historic 60th anniversary last year, culminating in a one-of-a-kind McCarthy Weekend. It was a truly festive season, with plenty of good feelings, such as the return of Saturday Night Live star Marcello Hernandez '19.

Under Mladenovic's watch as head coach, John Carroll has appeared in three NCAA Tournaments, tallied two Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament Championships (2022, 2021) and one OAC regular season crown (2021). The Blue Streaks made history in 2021, his first season, making a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 for just the second time ever. He has coached two All-Americans and one Academic All-American. 

Beyond his multitude of accomplishments, Mladenovic is a Man of Carroll who has been a mentor and friend to countless Blue Streaks. 

"Most importantly, he is a Blue Streak through and through," Polian added. "His love for our institution, its mission, and our students is evident in everything that he does."   
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