Rob DePersia, a 2019 graduate of Rowan University, has been appointed head coach of the Profs men's basketball team, returning to the campus where he once led the squad as a player.
During his tenure as a student‑athlete, DePersia captained the team for three seasons, earned All‑NJAC Honorable Mention honors in 2017 and 2019, and helped the Profs capture the 2019 NJAC Championship before finishing his career with 1,004 points and a program‑second 498 assists.
Coaching pedigree and mentorship
His coaching journey began with a five‑year stint at Villanova University, where he worked under Naismith Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright and later under Kyle Neptune, gaining exposure to a program that has captured multiple national titles.
He then served at Fordham University and the University of New Haven before most recently contributing to the University of New Haven's staff, bringing a blend of high‑level strategy and player development to Rowan.
DePersia holds a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from Rowan and a master's in business administration from Villanova, underscoring a rare combination of technical acumen and leadership training.
In his introductory remarks, he expressed a commitment to building a competitive program that can contend at the highest level of Division III and make the university proud, citing the legacy of past coaches and the supportive community in Glassboro.
The appointment comes as Rowan looks to leverage local talent and expand its recruiting footprint across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, regions where the coach has deep personal and professional connections.