Derek Kilps joins the Ranger coaching staff in 2009. Kilps previously helped train Parkside players in both the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
“He is very keen on the details of technical instruction of the game,” commented head coach Rick Kilps. “He has been working camps as an instructor for many years, so he understands the ‘how to teach’ concept. He will be an asset to the development of our younger players.”
Kilps played for the Rangers from 2002-2005. He was a member of the 2004 club which earned a bid to the NCAA tournament. Prior, he attended Racine St. Catherine’s High School where he captained the Angels to a 24-1-1 record in his senior year. The lone loss was in the state championship game.
A four year varsity player for the Rangers, Kilps played in 65 games, tallying 21 career points. He was used primarily as a midfielder.
Kilps made the grade on the Great Lakes Valley Conference all-academic team three times. He was picked for the UWP men’s soccer Ranger award in his senior season.
The assistant coach holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from UW-Parkside. He has also earned a Web Design certificate. Kilps has employed his skills by lending expertise to several UWP men’s soccer publications over the years, one of which earned the title “best in the nation.”
Kilps is employed by Image Management of Racine and is contracted out to Johnson Diversey Inc., as a graphic designer.
