Abstract: To address the significant deformation of the surrounding rock and the insufficient strength of the original support structure existing in the return airway of the W3303 working face of Gaohe Coal Mine, this paper analyzed the deformation characteristics and causes of the surrounding rock of the roadway through on-site monitoring of the surrounding rock deformation. Based on the analysis results and deformation mechanism, a combined support optimization scheme of "anchor rods + anchor cables + steel ladder beams + metal mesh + U-shaped steel" was proposed. To further verify the rationality and feasibility of the scheme, a comparative simulation analysis of the original support scheme and the optimized support scheme was carried out using FLAC^3D numerical simulation software. The results confirmed that the optimized scheme had a good control effect. The optimization plan was applied to underground engineering practice. After the implementation of the new support scheme, the stability of the surrounding rock has been effectively controlled. Monitoring data shows that the maximum convergence of the roof and floor has been reduced to 465 mm, the maximum convergence of the two sides is controlled at 410 mm, and the maximum floor heave has been significantly reduced to 209 mm. All deformation indicators have been significantly reduced compared with the original support, demonstrating the effective control effect of the combined support system on the stability of the surrounding rock of deep soft rock roadways.