John Rootes

John Rootes is an American college soccer coach who is currently the head coach of the Lynn Fighting Knights men's soccer team at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. He has led the program to three NCAA Division II national championships (2012, 2014, 2024).

Playing career Rootes was a four-year starter as a forward under coach Barry Barto at Philadelphia College of Textiles & Sciences (now Thomas Jefferson University) and the UNLV. He helped lead Textile to an undefeated season and a No. 1 national ranking in the final coaches’ poll in 1980 and guided UNLV to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1983. He was twice named an NSCAA All-West selection (as a striker) and played for the 1984 United States Amateur national team. Rootes also played professionally for two seasons (1994–1995) with the Boston Storm. Coaching career

Clemson University (assistant coach) Rootes began his coaching career as a senior assistant coach at Clemson University under head coach I.M. Ibrahim. During his tenure, he helped the Tigers win the 1987 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship and the 1988 World Collegiate Championship. He fondly recalled the 1987 season, as his brother Jamey was an All-ACC midfielder on the team.

Southern New Hampshire University (head coach, 1988–1997) Rootes then served as head coach at Southern New Hampshire University (then known as New Hampshire College) from 1988 to 1997, compiling a 169–30–10 record over 10 seasons. His teams were consistently ranked in the Intercollegiate Soccer Association of America National Top 10, earned six NCAA Division II Tournament bids, four Elite Eight appearances, three 20-win seasons, and captured the 1989 NCAA Division II national championship (with a 22–1–2 record that season). Nine players earned NSCAA All-American honors, and 15 advanced to professional careers. Rootes was inducted into the Southern New Hampshire University Hall of Fame in 2008.

Career record As of January 2026, Rootes' career record stands at 498–150–55, with his Lynn record at 194–54–31 (.751).

Other Rootes is a U.S. Soccer Federation "A" license holder.