Kinjo named Scholar All-America recipient, Simmons and staff earn United Soccer Coaches regional honor #GoBarton

Sho Kinjo and the Barton Community College men's soccer team staff collected additional post-season recognition announced by the United Soccer Coaches Association.

Led by Head Coach Rafael Simmons, assistants Scott Gray and Carlos Sanchez were named the USC's Junior College Division I Atlantic Division Staff of the Year.

Announced today, Kinjo was selected as a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America first-team recipient, becoming one of just eleven student-athletes honored nationally across the junior college ranks.

Already earning United Soccer Coaches first-team All-America accolades alongside Masaki Tsuji as one of the nation's top-15 players, Kinjo's academic honor caps a standout two-year career at Barton. A two-time first-team All-KJCCC/Region 6 selection, Kinjo joins Lucas Constante's 2023 Scholar of the Year recognition as recipients of United Soccer Coaches academic honors under Simmons

Simmons and his staff guided the Cougars to a No. 4 final national ranking and the program's second national tournament appearance in three seasons, seventh overall, concluding the campaign with a 17–5–2 record.

The five have been invited to be recognized in person at the United Soccer Coaches All-America Ceremony & Reception on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, held in conjunction with the annual United Soccer Coaches Convention.