OTTAWA, Kan. -- Ottawa University Director of Athletics, Arabie Conner, is pleased to announce the hiring of James Cottage as the head coach of the men's soccer program.
"Coach Cottage rose to the top during our search process with his energy, charisma and ability to easily connect with student athletes," said Conner. "His drive, knowledge of the game, and ability to recruit while prioritizing building a team of character is proven and exceptional. His poise and communication skills stood out as he gained a high level of trust and buy-in during the process. We have high hopes for the future in all aspects of expectation for our men's soccer program under his leadership."
Cottage comes to Ottawa from familiar Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference foe Bethel College, completing his fourth season at the helm for the Threshers in 2021. During his tenure, Cottage coached eight All-KCAC athletes while improvements were made each year including reaching the KCAC playoffs each of the last two seasons. This past season, the Threshers recorded their highest win total in over a decade while stringing together five straight wins along the way.
"I am truly honored to accept the position as the new Head Men's Soccer Coach at Ottawa University," said Cottage. "I would like to thank President Dr. Reggies Wenyika, Athletic Director Arabie Conner and all of the search committee for putting their trust in me to lead this program in the pursuit to compete for championships and strive for excellence on and off the field. After spending time on the Ottawa University campus, it was very clear how special this place is. The level of elite professionalism, outstanding community and the campus having a culture that is not only brave but also extremely effective, are some of the aspects that make this university such a great place. I am excited to begin a new chapter of Braves men's soccer and I am looking forward to learning and growing my career within such a successful athletic department and university."
Prior to Bethel, Cottage was an assistant at NCAA Division II California State University - Monterey Bay for one season before becoming a volunteer assistant coach for the University of Oklahoma women's soccer team under head coach Matt Potter.
Cottage has spent most of his playing and coaching career in the Sooner State. He took over as the head coach of his alma mater Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Okla. shortly after the 2014 season, coaching for two seasons. In 2016, SCU finished the season 15-5-5 and went onto win the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament, with Cottage being named NCCAA Coach of the Year. Four players were placed on the All-Tournament Team, while Cottage led Chad Dennis to winning Player of the Tournament and NCCAA National Player of the Year.
A native of Thrapston, England, Cottage moved to the United States in 2007 and attended the University of Science and Arts in Chickasha, Oklahoma. After his sophomore year, he transferred to SCU.
Captaining the Eagles in the midfield during the 2009 season, Cottage led SCU to a 16-5 season that saw his team finish as ACCA National Champions and NCCAA Southwest Regional Champions. In 2010, Cottage led the Eagles as captain again during his senior year, scoring eight goals and adding three assists on the way to a 20-3 record.
Cottage graduated from SCU in 2010 with a degree in sport management, and immediately took a position as an assistant soccer coach at SCU. He received a master's degree in Sport Administration in 2018 from East Central University.
