Oskaloosa–William Penn Head Men’s and Women’s Soccer Coach Jaymee Highcock is pleased to announce the hiring of Simon Brown as Associate Head Coach for both programs.

Brown comes to William Penn from 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, 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.

“I am pleased to add Simon to the strong and impressive staff we already have in place,” Highcock said.  “Knowing his background, I knew there was only one person for this job.  His addition will provide real quality and stability to both programs.  Good times are ahead for our soccer programs here at William Penn.”

Brown has also recently coached at the youth level, guiding the U-18 Lincoln Maroon squad to a third-place finish in the Nebraska State Cup and a first-place finish in the Nebraska U-19 league.

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).

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 D license and NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1 and 2 certificates.  He is currently working on his Master’s degree from Hastings.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage