Derek Marinatos joined the Emory University staff in 2000 as the assistant and goalkeeper coach.

His coaching experience outside of Emory includes Georgia's Olympic Development Program (since 2000), Gwinnett Soccer Association and Metro North Youth Soccer Association summer camps, United Quest Soccer club (Georgia), Post-to-Post Goalkeeping School, and Soccerplus Goalkeeping School. In addition, Marinatos coached boys and girls goalkeeping at Marist High School in Atlanta for one summer, the same year both squads were state runner-ups.

Marinatos is a 1999 Emory University graduate whose playing days for the Eagles spanned 1995-1998. During which time he was voted first team all-region two times and first team all-conference (University Athletic Association) three times. He captained the 1997 and 1998 campaigns that both resulted in appearances in the NCAA Division III national tournament. In 1998, Emory (15-3-1) had its most wins since 1991, won the conference title, and was ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation.

When he finished his career with the Eagles, Marinatos ranked third in school history in career goals against average and fourth in career saves. He received the department's Clyde Partin Sportsmanship Award.

His professional career includes a year as a member of 1999 Atlanta Silverbacks and a full tryout with AC Milan in spring 1999.

Marinatos is a co-founder of The Last Defense Goalkeeping Academy.