Bio

Vladimir Simic has served as the head coach of the Missouri Valley College men’s soccer program since 2002, building one of the most respected and consistent programs in NAIA soccer. With over 300 career wins, Simic has established himself as one of the most successful and experienced coaches at the NAIA level, combining long-term consistency with championship-level success. Coach Simic came to Missouri Valley College from Mount Senario College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. During his time there, he played four years for a nationally ranked soccer program that captured back-to-back NAIA Region Championships and made appearances in the NAIA National Tournament in 1999 and 2000. His extensive playing career in both Europe and the United States brought him numerous awards and recognitions, shaping the foundation of his coaching philosophy. Over the years, Simic has continued to develop his coaching expertise, working with youth programs across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana. He holds a USSF National Coaching License, along
with UEFA and United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, reflecting his commitment to professional growth and excellence in the game.

Simic’s coaching philosophy centers on discipline, accountability, and unity, with a strong emphasis on player development and ownership. His approach has evolved from a structured, organization-focused model to one that empowers players to lead, compete, and trust one another. His teams are defined by energy, resilience, and a clear understanding of roles which are qualities that consistently translate into success on the field. Under his leadership, Missouri Valley has become a perennial national contender. Since 2010, the Vikings have won six Heart of America Athletic Conference regular season championships and five postseason tournament titles, while qualifying for the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship 12 times. The program has advanced to the national site ten times, reached the national semifinals four times, and appeared in three national championship matches. The defining stretch of Simic’s tenure came during the championship runs of 2017, 2018, and 2020, highlighted by capturing the 2020/21 NAIA National Championship.

Simic’s success has been recognized with multiple honors, including four Heart Coach of the Year awards and two United Soccer Coasches Regional Coach of the Year selections. In 2020, he earned NAIA Coach of the Year and his staff was named the United Soccer Coaches NAIA Men’s Soccer Staff of the Year, reflecting the strong culture of collaboration, trust, and shared vision within the program. Throughout his tenure, Simic has reached several coaching milestones, earning his 100th career victory in 2012 and his 200th in 2019 and 300th in 2024. His program has produced 22 All-America selections since 2011, along with two NAIA National Players of the Year: Uros Ilic (2017) and Luka Gluscevic (2020). His sustained success is rooted not only in winning, but in developing players who excel both on and off the field.

Simic’s international background continues to influence his coaching style, blending tactical discipline with a high-tempo, competitive approach that prepares players to adapt to different styles of play. His program emphasizes daily development in a demanding, competitive environment while also prioritizing academic achievement, personal growth, and leadership. A key strength of Missouri Valley’s success lies in its coaching staff, built on alignment, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, they foster an environment where players are challenged, supported, and held to high standards. Originally from Belgrade, Serbia, Simic earned his master’s degree in MBA from Lindenwood University in 2002. He and his wife, Milena, reside in Marshall with their daughter, Katarina, and son, Aleksandar. Looking ahead, Simic remains focused on sustaining Missouri Valley’s tradition of excellence, competing for championships while developing disciplined, confident, and successful individuals. His guiding principle is simple: every player who comes through the program leaves better than they arrived.