Efrem Shimlis, Park University
Soccer
Graduated - 1996
Major - History

A 1996 graduate of Park University, Efrem Shimlis is now the head coach of the men's soccer team he competed for from 1992-1996.

Shimlis has led the Pirates to the national stage, advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2003 national championship and to the second round of the 2004 event. Park also finished fourth in the final men's soccer rating in 2004. Shimlis has provided playing opportunities to athletes from all over the globe and his 2004 squad had eight different nations represented.

Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Shimlis collected a wide range of coaching and professional playing experience before taking on the head coaching role. In 1997, he was a member of the world champion Kansas City Attack of the National Professional Soccer League and he also played for the Daytona Speed Kings and the Columbus Comets.

Shimlis has served as head coach for several local youth club teams and in 1997 he served as the Director of Coaching Programs for Soccer in the Streets in Kansas City, Mo.

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