From dominating the fields at Foran High School, junior varsity coach Dean Ross has always been a Lion at heart. Belonging to both the baseball and football fields, the former two-sport standout has returned to the same sideline to guide the next generation.
Ross was a senior captain for both the football and baseball teams, playing wide receiver and shortstop.
Having graduated from Foran in 2022, he decided to pursue a degree in exercise science at Sacred Heart University. While Ross never played a sport at Sacred Heart, his passion for sports never wavered.
After two years outside Foran athletics, Ross realized he missed the camaraderie and mentorship that sports, specifically within the Foran community, always provided.
During the 2024 baseball season, Ross joined the coaching staff as an assistant coach for the freshman team and, over time, found his new role with the team.
While coaching, any team has its struggles; Ross had to quickly learn nearly 20 new players and figure out how to build a winning team.
Junior Matt Martin, a baseball and football player who played for Ross his freshman year, believes Ross has a great impact on the team, not only through coaching but also by boosting individual confidence.
“He has an immediate effect, especially with the younger guy, helping them develop to be ready for the next level, and lifts the team’s overall morale,” remarks Martin.
The following school year, Ross took over as a coach for the JV and Freshman football teams. This season, he decided to focus more on the things he learned as a player and apply them to his coaching.
“I know what certain emotions feel like, whether it’s after a big win, a tough loss, or a bad week of practice. Knowing these things gives me an advantage when it comes to creating a better plan moving forward and managing the different situations that come up over the course of a season,” remarks Ross.
Working alongside Hall of Fame coach Garret Walker, Ross is guided by someone who has years of coaching experience and success.
Head baseball and football coach Garret Walker states, “Coach Ross has brought a great level of consistency, determination, and attitude towards the program; he’s been great for the younger kids learning how to go about our business on both the baseball and football field.”
For Coach Ross, his mission is clear: to give back to his former program, help his athletes, and inspire the next generation of Lions.
