SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Evangel University Director of Athletics Chuck Hepola announced Thursday the hiring of Samuel Winning as the fourth men's soccer head coach in program history.
"Samuel Winning is an exceptional young coach with experience across the NCAA Division II, NJCAA, and NAIA levels. Beyond his coaching ability, he has a genuine passion for developing young men spiritually, academically, socially, and athletically," said Hepola. "We believe he is the right leader to continue building a program that pursues excellence on the field and in every area of life."
"I am truly honored to join Evangel University as the head men's soccer coach. I want to sincerely thank President Dr. Mike Rakes, Athletic Director Chuck Hepola, and Assistant AD Brandon Staley for their trust and the opportunity to lead this program. Evangel's commitment to excellence, faith, and developing student athletes aligns with my own values and faith, and I'm excited to begin building meaningful relationships with our players, community, and alumni," Winning said. "I look forward to developing a program that competes at the highest level while preparing our players for success on the field, in the classroom, and also serving our community. My family and I are beyond blessed to join the Valor community and we can't wait to get started. Go Valor!"
Winning joins Evangel after a successful season at Murray State College (NJCAA), leading the Aggies to a 12-4-3 record and a berth in the NJCAA DI Men's Soccer National Tournament after winning the NJCAA Region 2 Regular Season & Conference Tournament championships, as well as the NJCAA DI Mid-South District championship.
During the 2025 season, Winning and the Aggies concluded the season ranked 12th in the nation, while coaching a record nine student athletes to NJCAA All-Region honors. For his efforts, Winning was named NJCAA DI Mid-South District Coach of the Year.
Prior to Murray State, Winning served as the lead assistant coach in 2022-24 at Felician University (NCAA DII), as well as the head coach at Presentation College (NAIA), in the spring of 2022. He previously spent two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Jamestown (NAIA) and was the NPSL head coach of the semi-professional Dakota Fusion FC in 2022 and 2023.
The Dundee, Scotland, native began his collegiate goalkeeping career at Union College (NAIA) in Kentucky, helping the Bulldogs to the 2016 Appalachian Athletic Conference title, before playing his final two seasons at Florida Southern College (NCAA DII).
Winning graduated from Florida Southern College in 2019 with a degree in business administration and earned his master's degree in leadership from the University of Jamestown in 2022. Winning is supported by his wife, Juliana, and his daughter, Laila.
For media availability with Coach Winning, contact Issac Granado at granadoi@evangel.edu or by phone, 417-865-2815 ext. 7261.
