FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern women’s soccer head coach James Moore officially announced the hire of Rafael Simoes as the program’s new assistant on Wednesday. Simoes joins the staff following previous stints at NCAA Division I Marshall and Ohio.
“This opportunity means the world to me,” expressed Simoes. “I fully believe Coach Moore and I can win a National Championship with the infrastructure that NSU provides us. An advantage is that we have similar styles of play, and I think we are both focused and motivated to keep pushing the program to new heights. I am really excited to start this new chapter in my coaching career with such a prestigious program. I am tremendously grateful to Coach Moore for believing in me to help him take NSU to the next level.”
Simoes owns experience both as a men’s coach, and on the women’s side, most recently working as a member of Ohio University’s women’s staff from 2019-20. Prior to his stop at Ohio, the Brazilian spent 2018-19 with the reputable Marshall men’s program, in addition to serving as head coach within the West Virginia Olympic Development Program, where he won State Cup titles in 2019 and 2021.
“I always bring a desire to work hard and remain hungry and focused,” Simoes added. “My experience as both a collegiate athlete and coach have prepared me well for this opportunity with such an exceptional program. I have had the privilege to learn from some of the best, including my mentor Coach Chris Grassie of Marshall Men’s Soccer. I believe my experiences as a tactical player from Brazil will bring a unique playing philosophy to NSU. Coach Moore and I share similar experiences in terms of our backgrounds, and with our combined skills, I believe we will be well positioned for a national title.”
As a player, Simoes helped lead the University of Charleston to four Final Four appearances in as many years, including a pair of National Runner-Up finishes in 2014 and 2016 before hoisting the National Championship trophy in 2017.
“We’re very fortunate to have Rafa joining the coaching staff,” said Moore. “His knowledge, drive and personality are all an excellent fit for our program. Rafa has proven he’s a top assistant working with two national championship coaching staffs in the past. He has proven that his local and domestic recruiting abilities are an asset to any program. Add in his tactical understanding of the game, and that’s what makes him a great asset to NSU.
“On the field, Rafa brings a great playing background being a part of a national championship-winning team. I’m very excited to add him to the program and look forward to working together alongside him.”
Simoes owns a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Physical Education and Coaching. He holds a USSF National C License.
