OTTAWA, Kan. – Ottawa University Director of Athletics Janet Eaton-Smith has named James Cottage, the current head men’s soccer coach, to lead the women’s soccer program in addition to his existing responsibilities.
“I am pleased to announce the restructuring of our soccer programs, appointing Coach Cottage to oversee both the women’s and men’s soccer teams,” said Eaton-Smith. “This decision comes after extensive research and thoughtful discussions to ensure the best possible fit for Braves Athletics. I am confident that Coach Cottage and his staff will be fully committed to both programs, working to maximize our efforts both on and off the field. As a respected leader on our campus with a proven track record in the soccer community, Coach Cottage is well-equipped to elevate our women’s program, positioning us as strong contenders in the KCAC and on the national stage.”
Coach Cottage brings an impressive resume to this expanded role. Over the past three seasons at Ottawa University, he has compiled a 36-17-9 record with the men’s team and an overall coaching record of 89-75-17. In the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) at OU, his record stands at 26-6-7, guiding the Braves to two consecutive KCAC Tournament runner-up finishes. His tenure has also seen the men’s team advance to the NAIA National Tournament, while nurturing talent that produced two-time NAIA All-American Bence Molnar, one KCAC Freshman of the Year, 21 All-KCAC performers, 25 Daktronic Scholar Athletes, 22 KCAC Scholar Athletes, six CSC Academic All-District selections, and one CSC Academic Second Team All-American. Moreover, he has successfully grown the program from 25 to over 70 student-athletes, placing a strong emphasis on the Brave Developmental Team.
“I am truly honored and grateful to be given the opportunity to lead the women’s soccer program at Ottawa University,” said Cottage. “I want to thank Bambi Burgard and Janet Eaton-Smith for their faith and support in me, I am extremely optimistic for what’s ahead. I am very proud of the work we have accomplished in the men’s program over the past three years. I look forward to the challenges ahead and achieving great things with the women’s and men’s programs. I am excited for this role and along with my assistant Cain Scott, we will look to build a program that creates an environment for our student athletes to be successful in all areas of their lives. I have been fortunate to have learned from some incredible leaders, who have helped to guide my journey, and I feel this new role is a great progression in my career. I believe the future of Braves soccer is very exciting.”
Prior to joining Ottawa University, Coach Cottage spent four seasons with Bethel College in the KCAC, where he coached eight All-KCAC athletes and helped the Threshers achieve their highest win total in over a decade, including a notable streak of five straight victories. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant at NCAA Division II California State University – Monterey Bay and as a volunteer assistant for the University of Oklahoma women’s soccer team under head coach Matt Potter.
Coach Cottage’s coaching journey also includes a distinguished tenure at his alma mater, Southwestern Christian University (SCU) in Bethany, Okla. Shortly after taking over as head coach following the 2014 season, he led SCU to a 15-5-5 record in 2016 and a National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Tournament championship, earning him the title of NCCAA Coach of the Year. As a player, Cottage captained SCU to ACCA National and NCCAA Southwest Regional Championships during his junior season and contributed significantly as a senior, recording eight goals and three assists on a 20-3 campaign.
Originally from Thrapston, England, Cottage moved to the United States in 2007. He began his collegiate career at the University of Science and Arts in Chickasha, Oklahoma, before transferring to SCU, where he captained the Eagles and helped secure a 16-5 record and national titles. He graduated from SCU in 2010 with a degree in sport management and later earned a master’s degree in Sport Administration from East Central University in 2018.
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