Derek Waldeck Bio
Derek Waldeck is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender and midfielder. Born in Santa Clarita, California, he currently represents USL League One club Spokane Velocity, where he wears the number 18 jersey. Waldeck came up through the youth ranks in Southern California before enjoying a standout college career at Stanford University, where he was part of two NCAA National Championship-winning sides. He launched his professional career after being selected in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft and has since built experience across multiple clubs in the lower divisions of North American soccer.
Early Life and Background
Derek Waldeck was born on February 1, 1998, in Santa Clarita, California, in the United States. He grew up in a region with deep youth soccer traditions, surrounded by competitive club programs that shaped his development from an early age. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, Waldeck developed into a versatile defender and midfielder, capable of contributing in multiple areas of the field.
As a young player, Waldeck was immersed in the California youth soccer scene, which is widely regarded as one of the strongest pipelines for professional talent in the country. He trained with several respected clubs in the region, gaining exposure to high-level coaching and competition that would later prepare him for collegiate and professional soccer.
Path to Soccer
Waldeck began his organized youth career with FC Los Angeles from 2012 to 2013, where he established a foundation in the basics of positional play and game awareness. He then moved to SCV Magic for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, continuing to refine his skills as a defender and midfielder.
From 2015 to 2016, Waldeck played for Real So Cal, a well-known development club in the Southern California area. His performances at the youth level caught the attention of college recruiters, and he went on to attend Stanford University, where he played for the Stanford Cardinal from 2016 to 2019. During his time at Stanford, he made 89 appearances, scoring 6 goals and tallying 22 assists, and was a key contributor to one of the most successful stretches in program history.
Derek Waldeck Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
While still in college, Waldeck gained senior-level experience by playing for USL League Two side Southern California Seahorses in both 2018 and 2019. The League Two competition provided him with an opportunity to face older, more physical opponents during the offseason, complementing his development at Stanford.
Waldeck’s college accolades reflected his growing reputation. He was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region First Team and the All-Pac-12 First Team in 2019, his senior season, after helping Stanford capture two NCAA National Championships.
MLS SuperDraft and North Texas SC Breakthrough (2020–2022)
On January 13, 2020, Waldeck was selected 66th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas, marking a significant milestone in his career. Shortly afterward, on February 14, 2020, he signed with North Texas SC, the USL League One affiliate of FC Dallas, beginning his professional journey.
Waldeck made his professional debut on July 25, 2020, starting in a 2–1 victory over Forward Madison. He spent the next two seasons with North Texas SC, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the squad. During his time with the club, he continued to grow into a versatile defender and midfielder, contributing to the team’s efforts in USL League One competition.
On August 16, 2022, Waldeck signed with USL League One side Greenville Triumph, taking the next step in his professional career. The move gave him the opportunity to experience a new environment and continue his development at the League One level.
One Knoxville (2023)
Waldeck joined League One expansion club One Knoxville on January 27, 2023, becoming part of a new franchise looking to make its mark in the league. His experience and versatility made him a valuable addition to the squad during its inaugural season.
Spokane Velocity Era (2024–Present)
On December 20, 2023, it was announced that Waldeck would be part of Spokane Velocity’s inaugural season in USL League One. As a foundational member of the new club, he has been tasked with helping establish the team’s identity and competitive standard from the ground up.
Wearing the number 18 jersey, Waldeck has continued to feature as a defender and midfielder for Spokane Velocity, bringing his years of experience across multiple USL League One clubs to the expansion side.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Waldeck’s career are his two NCAA National Championship wins with Stanford and his selection in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. His professional debut with North Texas SC on July 25, 2020, marked the beginning of his journey in the professional ranks, and his signing with Spokane Velocity ahead of its inaugural season represents another significant chapter as a founding member of an expansion club.
Derek Waldeck Career Wins
Waldeck’s most prominent team achievements came during his college years, when he was part of two NCAA National Championship-winning Stanford squads in 2016 and 2017. While his professional career has not yet produced major team titles, his consistent presence across multiple USL League One clubs reflects his durability and value as a contributor.
College Highlights
Waldeck’s college career with the Stanford Cardinal was highlighted by two NCAA National Championships and 89 total appearances, during which he scored 6 goals and recorded 22 assists. His senior season in 2019 brought individual recognition in the form of United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region First Team and All-Pac-12 First Team honors.
Derek Waldeck Family
Personal Life
Derek Waldeck was born and raised in Santa Clarita, California, the same region where he developed as a young soccer player. Details about his broader family background are not widely documented in publicly available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Entering 2025, Derek Waldeck remains with Spokane Velocity as the club continues its development in USL League One. As one of the more experienced players on the roster, he is expected to play a leadership role both on and off the field, helping guide the expansion side through its early seasons.
Waldeck’s versatility as a defender and midfielder gives the coaching staff flexibility in how they deploy him across the pitch. His familiarity with the USL League One landscape, built across stints with North Texas SC, Greenville Triumph, and One Knoxville, positions him well to contribute consistently throughout the 2025 campaign.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season represents an opportunity for Waldeck and Spokane Velocity to build momentum and establish themselves as a competitive force in USL League One. With his track record of reliability and championship experience from Stanford, Waldeck remains a key figure in the club’s long-term project.