NEW LONDON, Conn. – Connecticut College has hired Keith Simons as head coach of the women's soccer program, as announced by Director of Athletics Mo White.

Simons becomes the program's fifth head coach. He spent the past five seasons as head coach of the women's soccer program at Vassar College, and prior to that served as associate head coach at Wesleyan University.

"I'm honored to be selected as the next head coach to lead the women's soccer program at Connecticut College," said Simons. "Throughout the process, it became incredibly evident how amazing this place is. The collective commitment from everyone across campus to provide an environment that fosters competitive success and support is more than impressive. I look forward to the challenge ahead as we build on the amazing foundations the program has already laid. I want to thank Mo White, Danielle Egan and the entire search committee for their belief and trust in me."

Simons took Vassar to new heights during his time in Poughkeepsie, which culminated in a historic 2025 season. He led the Brewers to a 16-4 overall record—a single-season record for wins—and their first Liberty League regular-season title. Vassar went on to win the Liberty League Championship for the first time in school history, earning a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Championship. For their efforts, Simons and his staff were tabbed Liberty League and USC Region III Coaching Staff of the Year.

In five years at Vassar, Simons posted a 53-24-16 overall record and a 23-10-12 mark in Liberty League play. The Brewers made back-to-back NCAA appearances and recorded the program's first-ever NCAA victory, a 1-0 decision over St. Mary's College of Maryland in 2024. During his tenure, he mentored 27 All-Liberty League selections, 12 All-Region picks, two All-Americans, and 19 Academic All-District selections.

"Keith is one of the brightest and most respected young coaches in the country, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Connecticut College," said White. "Throughout this search, it became clear that his vision for building a nationally competitive program aligned perfectly with the future of Camel women's soccer. Keith has a proven ability to develop high-achieving student-athletes, build strong team culture, and compete at the highest levels of Division III soccer. His energy, integrity, and commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes make him an outstanding fit for Conn and our community."

Simons spent two seasons as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Wesleyan. In 2019, he helped the Cardinals to a 9-4-2 overall record and a 4-4-2 NESCAC mark, as well as a program record for the longest unbeaten streak in a season (6-0-2). Wesleyan also won its first Little Three title since 1982, defeated defending national champion and No. 1-ranked Williams College, and reached as high as No. 21 in the national rankings.

Simons previously served as the head men's soccer coach at The Sage Colleges from 2016 through 2018. In his first season, he guided the program back to the Skyline Conference Championship game, and the following year, the team posted a 10-6-2 overall record en route to the Empire 8 Conference Championship game.

Prior to his time at Sage, Simons was an assistant men's soccer coach at Skidmore College for three seasons, where he helped lead the Thoroughbreds to a 32-18-6 overall record. He also served as an assistant coach at Elmira College for two seasons (2011, 2012).

A 2010 graduate of Manhattanville College, Simons was team co-captain as a senior and received the college's Male Scholar Athlete of the Year award. He was a three-time Middle Athletic Conference All-Academic selection and was NSCAA Scholar All-East Region Honorable Mention in 2009. He earned his master's degree in general management from Elmira in 2013.

Simons currently holds an NSCAA Premier Diploma, NSCAA Goalkeeping Level III Diploma, and USSF National D License.