In the world of high school soccer, few coaches can boast a career as prolific as Bill Simpson's. With a recent milestone win of 200 victories under his belt, it is clear how much Coach Simpson has meant to the Reading Community Schools soccer program. His journey, spanning nearly two decades as the boys' soccer coach and an eight-year stint as the girls' soccer coach, is a story of dedication, expertise, and passing on his passion for the sport to many Reading athletes.
Bill Simpson's coaching career began in 2004 when he took the helm of the Reading Community Schools boys' soccer team. Over the years, he achieved numerous accolades that solidified his reputation as one of Ohio's most versatile and longest-tenured high school soccer coaches.
In 2009, Simpson guided the boys' team to an unforgettable undefeated regular season, a remarkable feat in itself. The team went on to capture the sectional and district championships, with a deep run in the regional finals. This impressive season was a testament to Simpson's ability to mold young talent into a formidable force on the field.
Simpson's teams also found themselves in the sectional finals an impressive seven times, showcasing his consistent ability to lead his squads deep into the postseason. His coaching has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Boys CHL Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2009, as well as Boys Southwest/City Coach of the Year in the same years. In 2015, Coach Simpson's exceptional contributions to the sport earned him the coveted title of Boys State of Ohio Coach of the Year.
In 2015, Coach Simpson took on a new challenge, this time as the head coach of the Reading Community Schools girls' soccer team. His transition to coaching the girls' squad was seamless, and he continued to make a significant impact on the program.
Under his guidance, the girls' team experienced five appearances in the sectional finals, showcasing his versatility as a coach who could achieve success with both boys and girls. His expertise did not go unnoticed, as he was awarded CHL Coach of the Year and Southwest/City Coach of the Year in 2016 for his exceptional work with the girls' team.
Before becoming the Head Coach of Reading soccer programs, Bill Simpson had a successful playing career of his own. He played college soccer at Southern California College, where he earned the prestigious title of All-American in 1987. His talent didn't go unnoticed in high school either, as he was named 1st Team All-State in 1982 at Lakota High School.
Simpson's High School Career was recognized when he was inducted into the Lakota High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. Even more impressive, his name remains as the All-Time Leading Scorer in the history of Lakota Distrcit’s soccer programs, a record that has stood strong for over 40 years.
Coach Bill Simpson's journey from a standout player to a legendary coach is a testament to his unwavering commitment to soccer and his ability to inspire and lead young athletes to success. As Coach Simpson celebrates his 200th career win, the Reading community celebrates a true soccer icon. His legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of soccer players and coaches, reminding us all of the power of dedication, passion, and expertise in the world of high school sports. Coach Simpson's name will forever be synonymous with excellence in Reading soccer, and his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.