Simon Fitch Bio
Michael Simon Fitch (born February 26, 1999) is an American soccer player who most recently played as a defender for USL League One club Richmond Kickers. A versatile defender and midfielder, Fitch has built his professional career in the lower tiers of American soccer after a productive college career in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Standing at 6 ft 1 in, he is known for his composure on the ball and his consistency across multiple seasons of senior football.
Fitch grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and developed through the local youth and high school ranks before earning a starting role in college soccer. His progression from a Virginia high school captain to a USL League One professional reflects a steady climb through the American development pathway.
Early Life and Background
Simon Fitch was born on February 26, 1999, in Richmond, Virginia, United States. He grew up in the same city that would later become a focal point of his professional soccer career, attending St. Christopher’s School for his secondary education. At St. Christopher’s, Fitch emerged as a leader on the soccer field, serving as team captain for three years and helping guide the program to the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association State Championship in 2016.
Outside of high school soccer, Fitch also spent time on the club circuit with Richmond United during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Those years in a competitive youth environment gave him a foundation in defensive organization and allowed him to attract attention from college programs in the region.
Path to Professional Soccer
Fitch began his college career in 2017 at George Washington University, where he played for the George Washington Colonials men’s soccer team. He made 18 appearances for the Colonials during his freshman season, providing a glimpse of the minutes he would later accumulate at the next level.
In 2018, Fitch transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University to join the VCU Rams, where he would spend the bulk of his college years. With the Rams, he made 63 appearances, scored five goals, and added four assists, while earning Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team honors in four consecutive seasons. While still in college, he also gained senior-level experience with USL League Two side Lionsbridge FC, making four appearances and scoring one goal during the 2021 season after the 2020 campaign was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Simon Fitch Career
Early Career at Richmond Kickers (2022–2025)
On February 23, 2022, Fitch signed with USL League One club Richmond Kickers, the same city where he had grown up and attended high school. He made his professional debut on April 25, 2022, entering as an injury-time substitute during a 2–1 win over Charlotte Independence. That first appearance marked the start of a multi-season run with his hometown club.
Fitch spent four seasons with the Kickers from 2022 through 2025, becoming a steady presence in the defensive unit. His contract with the club ran through the 2025 season, and his time in Richmond established him as a reliable defender in the third tier of American soccer.
Spokane Velocity Era (2026–Present)
On January 27, 2025, Fitch signed with Spokane Velocity ahead of their 2026 USL League One campaign. The move opened a new chapter for the defender after several seasons in his hometown, taking him to a Pacific Northwest-based club with ambitions of competing near the top of the league.
At Spokane Velocity, Fitch wears the number 4 shirt and continues to operate as a defender. His experience from the Richmond Kickers and his four years of college minutes at Virginia Commonwealth University positioned him as a veteran presence heading into the club’s coming season.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 ft 1 in, Fitch brings size and positional discipline to the back line. His college record of 63 appearances and four assists for the VCU Rams suggests a defender comfortable stepping into the attack from deep, while his three seasons as team captain at St. Christopher’s School point to strong leadership traits.
Notable Events and Milestones
Fitch’s professional debut with the Richmond Kickers in a 2–1 win over Charlotte Independence stands as a clear early milestone. He also contributed to Lionsbridge FC during their 2021 USL League Two season and was part of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association State Championship squad at St. Christopher’s in 2016.
Simon Fitch Career Wins
Across his senior career to date, Simon Fitch has built a profile as a dependable defender rather than a high-volume goal scorer. His scoring contributions have come primarily at the college level, where he tallied five goals and four assists in 63 appearances for the VCU Rams, along with one goal in four appearances for Lionsbridge FC in USL League Two.
Richmond Kickers Highlights
Fitch made his Richmond Kickers debut on April 25, 2022, as a substitute in a 2–1 victory over Charlotte Independence. He spent four seasons with the club through 2025, serving as a regular in the defensive group during the team’s USL League One campaigns.
Other Wins and Performances
During his time at Virginia Commonwealth University, Fitch was a four-time Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team honoree across consecutive seasons, reflecting consistent performance in the classroom alongside his play on the field. His Lionsbridge FC stint in 2021 also gave him a brief taste of senior club football before turning professional.
Simon Fitch Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Simon Fitch’s parents and broader family background is limited, and details about any extended family connection to soccer are not widely documented.
Personal Life
Simon Fitch is engaged to professional soccer player Susanna Friedrichs. The couple’s shared background in the sport has been noted in coverage of his career.
2025 Season Performance
Fitch entered 2025 in the final year of his contract with the Richmond Kickers, continuing as a defender in USL League One. His deal with the Richmond club was set to run through the end of the 2025 season, giving him stability while he prepared for his next move.
On January 27, 2025, Fitch announced his signing with Spokane Velocity for the 2026 season, providing a clear endpoint to his Richmond tenure and a forward-looking storyline for the year ahead. The agreement ensured that his 2025 campaign with the Kickers would serve as a bridge into a new chapter at Spokane Velocity.
Looking ahead, Fitch’s outlook for the remainder of 2025 centered on closing out his time with Richmond before transitioning to Spokane Velocity’s roster for 2026. His combination of senior experience, college pedigree, and leadership history left him well positioned for a regular role with his new club.