CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Chris Ratcliff has named Jake Simpson as the second head coach of the Hillcat Men's Soccer program on Monday.
 
"I could not be happier to have Jake Simpson step up and lead our men's soccer program as its new head coach," said Ratcliff. "I believe Jake is the perfect man to lead this program into a new and exciting era. Even though he has big shoes to fill, there is no doubt he is ready for this new challenge after learning from some of the best coaches in the nation. From his days as an All-American player to his time as an assistant, Jake embodies what it means to be a Hillcat, and I can't wait to see him take this team to new heights!"
 
One of RSU Athletics' favorite sons, Simpson takes over for legendary head coach Derek Larkin, who stepped away from coaching and into an administrative role for the Hillcats at season's end. Simpson is no stranger to the men's soccer program as he played a large role in building it to its current state as a player and most recently as associate head coach.
 
"Thanks to God's grace, I am overjoyed to be able to coach the program that has my heart," said Simpson. "I met my wife for the first time on this soccer field, I became a man here and am the man I am today because of this program. I can't wait to lead these men the way I was led! I cannot thank Dr. Ratcliff enough for this incredible opportunity to build on the legacy of this special program!"
 
This year, the Cambridge, England native helped guide RSU to their best season in program history, making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time. The Hillcats finished the season with a 9-5-7 record and won their second GAC/MIAA Regular Season title with three players picking up individual awards from the conference.
 
Simpson came home to the Hill after spending the 2023 season as an assistant coach at Oklahoma Christian. While in Oklahoma City, he helped guide the Eagles to its second-straight appearance in the Lone Star Conference Tournament semifinals. He also coached a First Team All-South Central Region and LSC Freshman of the Year, among six other All-LSC selections.
 
In his first three seasons on the Hillcat bench, he helped the Hillcats to three-straight appearances in the GAC/MIAA Tournament including the GAC/MIAA Regular Season and Tournament Championships during the Spring 2021 season, climbing as high as No. 9 in the USC Coaches Poll during the Fall 2021 season.
 
Simpson began his coaching career as an assistant at Rogers State in 2020. He joined the staff after wrapping up his playing career with one of the best individual seasons Rogers State athletics has ever seen.
 
In 2019, Simpson was recognized on the national scale several times. The honors included United Soccer Coaches All-America Third Team, CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team, CoSIDA Academic All-District Team, United Soccer Coaches All-Central Region First Team and D2CCA All-Central Region First Team.
 
Simpson broke two school records in his senior season. He put 37 shots on goal and finished with 36 points for the season, averaging 1.8 points per game.
 
Simpson also received several conference honors including All-GAC/MIAA First Team, GAC/MIAA All-Tournament Team, GAC/MIAA Distinguished Scholar Student-Athlete, and Three-time GAC/MIAA Offensive Player of the Week
 
Simpson's past honors include All-Heartland Conference Third Team, Selected CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team, United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-West Region honors in 2017 and in 2016 he was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) NCAA Division II Men's All-South Central Region Second Team and All-Heartland Conference First Team.
 
Simpson played in 59 games for the Hillcats, and started in 57 games. He would total 4,729 minutes of playing time on the pitch. He scored 27 goals in his career on the Hill, with 14 of those goals coming in his final season.
 
Simpson graduated from Rogers State in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management with a concentration in Fitness.
 
He and his wife Alex reside in Owasso, Okla. with their daughter Savannah.
 
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT JAKE SIMPSON
 
"I am very proud of Jake for all of his accomplishments as a student-athlete, and as an assistant coach. To see him grow into the coach and man he is today is one of the highlights of my career. I am so excited for Jake, as an outstanding RSU alumnus, to take over this program and continue to build it to the next level!"
– Derek Larkin, Former Rogers State Men's Soccer Head Coach
 
"It's exciting to see an alumni & friend who knows the program inside and out step into the head coach role after developing his craft over the past few years learning from Coach Larkin and others. Knowing what Jake has to offer not only as a coach but as a person, both on and off the field, will be exciting to see him begin to put his stamp on the program while staying true to what it means to be a Hillcat. Coach Larkin has had a tremendous impact on this program and is handing it over in a historic moment. We can't wait to see Jake get to work, and know he has the backing and support of all those that have been through the program so far."
 – Mitch Sowerby, Racing Louisville FC Assistant Coach & RSU Men's Soccer Alumnus