Barry Simpson was recently named the Head Golf Coach for Welch College. After three years without a program, Simpson accepted the challenge to bring varsity golf back to Welch College.
He has hit the ground running, having met with current student-athletes who plan to play golf and has been on the recruiting trail as well, working hard to put together a solid team for the fall.
“This definitely wasn’t something I had thought about doing,” said Simpson. “But, when Gary (Turner) presented the idea, I was intrigued with the opportunity. I am really looking forward to the fall.”
“When we lost Coach (Sam) Horne after just one season, I was disappointed, to say the least,” said Gary Turner, WC Athletic Director. “I wanted someone who knows golf and understands Welch College. Barry will bring stability to our golf program and take it in the right direction. I am excited for what he is going to do for Welch College.
Simpson was born in Kansas City, KS and raised in Shawnee, KS, a suburb of Kansas City. After graduating from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1977, he served 4 years active duty in the United States Marine Corps. He attended Welch College from 1981-1986 graduating magna cum laude with a BA in Pastoral Administration. He served on the pastoral staff of New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Joelton, TN for 22 years (1984-2006), 16 of which as Senior Pastor. He served as Director of Development for 4 years (2007-2010) at Free Will Baptist International Mission in Nashville, TN.
Currently, Simpson resides in Joelton, TN with his wife of 31 years, Jena Carrington Simpson and serves as Senior Pastor at the Heads Free Will Baptist Church in Cedar Hill, TN
The Simpsons have two sons and two grandchildren.