Oskaloosa-–William Penn Athletics Director Nik Rule is proud to announce the hiring of Simon Brown as the University’s new Head Men’s Soccer Coach.
Brown is being promoted from Associate Head Men’s and Women’s Soccer Coach, a position he has served in the past three seasons. Over the last three campaigns, he helped the men’s squad to a 39-18-2 record (23-11 Heart), highlighted by a record-breaking 2019 campaign. WPU finished 15-5-1 overall, took second in the Heart of America Athletic Conference at 9-2, was ranked inside the top 10 in the NAIA, and earned its first-ever berth to the NAIA National Championship. The squad broke numerous records, mostly notably for wins and goals.
“We are really excited to have Simon as our next head men’s soccer coach,” Rule said. “He has worked extremely hard the last few years at the University and is uniquely prepared to continue to build on the success that the program has had recently. His vision and commitment to the big picture of what it means to be a student-athlete has been noticed during his time with the program. His ideas for enhancements in the future were well thought out and fit directly in line with our culture.”
The Statesmen women owned a 23-30-2 mark (9-24-1 Heart) the last three years as well.
“I am over the moon to be the next men’s soccer coach at William Penn and build upon our recent success,” Brown said. “I look forward to competing at the highest level within the NAIA and making this team a consistent national powerhouse. With the support of the players, our alumni, and the University, the sky is the limit for this program in the coming seasons.”
Brown, who is replacing Jaymee Highcock who was the head coach from 2015-2019, started his collegiate coaching career at Hastings College (Neb.) where for two years he served as a graduate assistant on the women’s team and a volunteer assistant on the men’s squad.
In his first year at Hastings, he was the goalkeeper coach and helped the women’s keeper earn Great Plains Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year laurels. In his second season, he was the forwards coach and guided three players to first-team all-conference recognition, including one being named GPAC Offensive Player of the Year.
While at Hastings, the women’s squad won two GPAC regular season titles (perfect 21-0 league record) and a trip to the NAIA National Tournament. Brown also helped the men to the 2016 NAIA title. Academically, Brown received his Master’s of Physical Education from Hastings in 2017 as well.
Brown’s coaching background also includes time at alma mater Ashford University (volunteer assistant coach) as well as with the Bettendorf Soccer Association (head coach of U-13 girls and U-14 boys teams) and with Pleasant Valley HS (assistant varsity and head JV coach). He coached the U-18 Lincoln Maroon squad as well, guiding the team to a third-place finish in the Nebraska State Cup and a first-place finish in the Nebraska U-19 league.
A 2013 graduate of Ashford with a degree in Finance and Business Administration, he was a team captain of the 2013 team that reached the NAIA national semifinals. Brown was also a member of the 2012 team that also advanced to nationals. He was named a Capital One Academic All-American.
Prior to being at Ashford, Brown was a captain for North Iowa Area CC and led the team to a conference title. An Honorable-Mention All-American, he collected a Second-Team Academic All-NJCAA accolade as well. Brown also played for the Quad City Eagles while in college, helping the squad to two division titles.
A native of Dublin, Ireland, Brown owns a USSF Coaching C license and NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1 and 2 certificates. He is also a current Olympic Development Program Coach with Iowa Soccer.
“I want to thank several people, who without them, me being in this position would not be possible,” Brown said. “My parents and family back home in Ireland for supporting me 10 years ago to come to America and pursue my soccer dream. My college coaches Mike Regan and Richard Markham, who recruited me, as well as Corbin Stone and Chad Lewis who gave me my first coaching job. Also, to Chris Clements, formerly of Hastings, who gave me my first collegiate coaching job. Finally, to Jaymee Highcock, and Nik Rule for hiring me, taking a chance on me. Also, a big thanks to every other coach who helped me along the way.”
Brown becomes the 10th coach in program history.
