Mirror moment for Simpson family
With the TMSAA postseason landscape being new territory in 2026, it may feel like uncharted territory for the WCMS soccer team. But for one father-son combo, the Pioneers’ current run feels a lot like looking into a reflection of Warren County soccer history.
Case Simpson, one of the many vital pieces to Warren County’s unbeaten season this spring, has been able to lean on somebody who knows exactly what a deep postseason run feels like. His dad, Casey, was part of one of the most memorable teams in local history — the 2001 WCHS Pioneers that advanced all the way to the Final 4.
Now, more than two decades later, Casey is watching his son chase the same dream while hoping this generation can finish the journey with a state championship.
“We went to the Final 4 my senior year in 2001 and to my knowledge that is the farthest any team has gone in any team sport since 1992,” said Simpson.
The similarities between father and son can be seen long before kickoff. Watching Case attack defenders down the sideline often brings back memories of Casey’s playing days, when the elder Simpson helped fuel one of the greatest runs in program history.
But Casey believes the similarities between the 2001 team and the current WCMS squad go far beyond style of play.
“Every state run begins before the season and that’s where I notice a few similarities,” said Simpson. “We lost a few key players to other sports early on in my high school career as you are not allowed to play more than one in the same season. Same thing happened this year with the middle school team. But it’s next man up.”
Simpson also sees parallels in the way both teams found a missing piece capable of elevating already talented rosters.
"We had a guy by the name of Robert Garibaldi that transferred in that was obviously a pivotal piece to an already strong roster. This year in 2026 we had a young man named Gavin Chavez show up. In my opinion, he is the best goalkeeper in the state," said Casey.
While Casey’s memories of the 2001 season remain vivid, one moment still stands above the rest. The Pioneers’ Final 4 match was played on graduation day, forcing Warren County to arrive late to the stadium after commencement ceremonies.
“I remember coach Ronnie Brown coming to talk to us a few days before we made our appearance in the Final 4 game,” said Simpson, recalling the visit from the state championship baseball coach. “We came late to the stadium (for graduation) to a standing ovation, which was obviously a very memorable moment.”
Now, Simpson hopes the current Pioneers are able to create memories of their own.
Case has been one of many legacy players helping lead Warren County’s charge this spring - athletes who grew up hearing stories about Pioneer soccer success while learning firsthand what it means to represent the program.
The younger Simpson has carved out his own role through grit, toughness and relentless energy, helping Warren County put together one of the most dominant seasons in school history - a 16-0 run that continues Wednesday with a matchup against Sevier County.
The only concern entering the state tournament is an arm injury Case suffered during Warren County’s 5-2 victory over Siegel in the Section 2-AA championship. Simpson was injured while running down the sideline and could potentially miss the state tournament, though the family remains hopeful he may be able to brace it and play.
Anybody familiar with the Simpson family knows toughness has never been in question, particularly when it comes to soccer.
Casey believes this year’s group stacks up with any Warren County team he has seen over the last 25 years.
“I told the boys that the team I played for in 2001, the high school team in 2007 and this year’s middle school team are some of the most talented soccer teams that have been assembled at Warren County,” said Simpson. “After watching our first game against Harris Middle this year, I can say this team may be the best of the three. I may get some flack for that, but they are solid at every line.”
For Casey, the biggest message to this year’s team has been simple: appreciate the moment.
“My advice for them was to enjoy the ride because it takes a special group to come together and sustain this much success for an entire season,” said Simpson. “I think they have a great chance to bring home a state championship.”
More than anything, Simpson hopes this current run becomes the foundation for even more success in the years ahead.
“Cliche, I know, but I wish I could go back and do it all over again,” said Simpson. “Hopefully they will bring it home and stay locked in together and continue the success in high school as well.”
