Dave Simon is in his fifth season at the helm of the Winona State volleyball program, and has elevated the talent level of the Warriors in the extremely difficult NSIC in a short period of time.
Simon has helped the Warriors improve in each of his four seasons as head coach, moving from 11 wins in his rookie campaign in 2009 to 20 victories during the 2012 season.
An outstanding recruiter, Simon has been able to land commitments from players of the year in both Minnesota and Iowa during his WSU tenure.
Simon lead Winona State to just the program’s seventh 20 win season in 2012. The Warriors posted a 20-11 overall mark to reach 20 victories for the first time since 1993. The team set a new school record with 15 consecutive victories, topping the old mark of 12 set in 1987. WSU continued its trend of knocking off ranked opponents, posting wins over No. 18 Wayne State and No. 20 Minnesota State. Individually, Kate Horihan and Bekah Saugen earned all-conference honors for their play.
The Warriors posted a 15-15 overall record in 2011 that included a pair of victories over ranked opponents. WSU knocked of No. 10 Wayne State and No. 18 Rollins. Simon coached Shannon McGowan to NSIC Libero of the Year honors and a spot on the all-region squad. Two other Warriors - Kathy Lohff and Bekah Saugen - also earned all-conference honors.
Winona State went 12-16 during the 2010 season, with eight of those losses coming to teams ranked in the top-15 nationally. The Warriors claimed the title at their season-opening tournament hosted by Northern Michigan. Simon helped guide junior Shannon McGowan to All-NSIC honors as well.
Simon became the sixth head coach in Winona State history in 2009, guiding the Warriors to an 11-20 mark in his first season.
Simon joined the Warrior program in 2007, spending two seasons as an assistant under Connie Mettille. In his first season with WSU, Simon helped the team post a 19-14 mark, setting a school record for victories since the team began competing at the NCAA Division II level.
Prior to his arrival at Winona State, Simon was the head coach at Minnesota, Crookston for seven seasons. During his time in Crookston, Simon guided 11 players to NSIC All-Conference honors. More then 20 Golden Eagles were named to the NSIC All-Academic team during his tenure as well.
Simon has also served as an assistant coach at the University of Wyoming, helping the Cowgirls finish in the top-15 in Division I in blocking during all three seasons he was with the program.
A sideline veteran, Simon was an assistant at Virginia Tech from 1992 to 1997. During his time in Blacksburg, Simon helped Virginia Tech win 80 games and a conference championship.
Simon has also achieved success at the prep level, winning back-to-back state championships as an assistant coach at Columbia Heights (MN) High School. He helped guide the school to state titles in 1989 and 1990, with the 1989 squad earning a No. 1 ranking nationally by Volleyball Magazine.
Simon founded and directed the NRV Junior Olympic Volleyball Club, the Shamrock Festival Tournament and CAJ (Crookston Area Juniors).
Simon has led various Junior Olympic teams and youth teams, while working with clubs around the Midwest. He has worked with Minnesota Elite, Sideout VBC, Reebok Third Coast Championship and the Minnesota Festival. Simon is also an annual instructor with Midwest Volleyball Instructors.
Simon is a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association and North Country Region, while being CAP I and IMPACT certified.
Simon earned two degrees from Mankato State University, graduating with a degree in Mass Communications in 1983 and Business Administration in 1984. He earned a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Sport Management from Virginia Tech in 1994. He was a student-athlete at Mankato State, participating in baseball for the Mavericks.
Simon is also an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Winona State University.
He lives in Minnesota City with his wife Kathy and their son Greg. Simon also has two step-sons, Jason and Mathew, and four grandchildren.
