Varnum returns to Simpson as assistant men’s soccer coach
INDIANOLA, Iowa – Head men's soccer coach Rick Isaacson has announced Marcus Varnum '15 will return to Simpson College as the program's first full-time assistant coach, beginning June 1.
Ties between Isaacson and Varnum date back to 2009 when Isaacson began coaching Varnum as a freshman at Ankeny High School. Varnum eventually followed Isaacson to Simpson, where he would become a four-time All-Iowa Conference performer.
"We are excited that Marcus is coming home," said Isaacson. "Marcus and I have a deep-rooted history. He was an outstanding player on my teams at both Ankeny and Simpson, earning all-state honors in high school and all-conference accolades as a member of the Storm."
A four-year letterwinner, Varnum tallied 21 goals and 18 assists while at Simpson. He landed on the All-IIAC Honorable Mention Team in 2012 before garnering First Team All-IIAC honors in 2013 and 2015 and Second Team recognition in 2014. The Storm reached the conference tournament semifinals three times with Varnum on the squad, including in 2015 when he scored the equalizer with 15 seconds left of Simpson's first round match with Wartburg. The Storm went on to win the penalty shootout 6-5.
After graduating from Simpson with a degree in business management, Varnum immediately began to carve out an impressive coaching career. He returned to Ankeny High School as an assistant coach while also serving as a part-time assistant at Simpson both for Isaacson and his former Storm teammate and current head women's soccer coach Jeremy Reinert '13.
Varnum eventually became the head coach of the Hawks in 2021, guiding the team to the state tournament in 2022. He has also served as a full-time coach with Iowa Rush Soccer Club and Vision Soccer Academy.
"Marcus is a gifted young coach," said Isaacson. "He is someone I trust and his addition will help elevate our program to new heights. Additionally, he's someone that understands the core values we look to instill in our soccer athletes at Simpson. I'm eager to get to work with Marcus. The future is bright."
