Gardner-Webb University announced Tuesday that Alex Simmons has been named head coach of the women’s basketball program, wrapping up a national search.
A press conference to introduce Simmons will be scheduled next week.
Simmons comes to Gardner-Webb after assistant coaching stints at Ole Miss (2013-2018) and Middle Tennessee State (2010-2013). She also served as a graduate assistant coach at Kansas (2009-2010). The Shelbyville, Tenn., native also spent time earlier this year as interim head coach at Ole Miss.
“I am ecstatic to become the next head coach of the women’s basketball team at Gardner-Webb University,” said Simmons. “This is an opportunity that I have worked for my whole life and God could not have chosen a better place for me and my family. The University and surrounding community afford any student-athlete a chance to experience a family atmosphere, along with an opportunity to compete for championships in the Big South Conference.
“I would like to thank Chuck Burch and Dr. Frank Bonner for welcoming me into the Gardner-Webb family, and I am very excited for the future of Gardner-Webb women’s basketball.”
Simmons was named to the WBCA Thirty Under Thirty Top Assistant Coaches’ list in 2017 and, as director of recruiting, reeled in three consecutive top-20 classes for Ole Miss. She also mentored a pair of All-SEC performers during her time with the Rebels.
“This search produced several very strong candidates and we are very pleased to have Alex Simmons come on board as our next head coach,” said Vice President for Athletics Chuck Burch. “Her basketball knowledge, her strength of faith and overall character provide an excellent fit for Gardner-Webb University and the student-athletes she will lead.
“We are also very appreciative of the strong foundation, on and off the court, laid by Coach Rick Reeves during his 14 seasons. He left the program in much better shape than he found it.”
Prior to her time at Ole Miss, Simmons served as an assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State, helping the Blue Raiders to three NCAA Tournament appearances during her time on the bench. Her work with the team’s post players produced an honorable mention All-America selection and – in 2011-2012 – saw the Blue Raiders grab the most rebounds since 1983.
“I am delighted that Alex Simmons is our new head women’s basketball coach,” said Gardner-Webb President Dr. Frank Bonner. “Her character, personality, coaching experience and her experience as a player at the national championship level maker her great for our student-athletes and Gardner-Webb University.”
Simmons’ basketball roots run deeply to the most respected places in the game.
She played collegiately at the University of Tennessee under basketball Hall of Famer Pat Summitt from 2004-2009, helping the Lady Vols win a pair of NCAA Division I National Championships (2007, 2008).
Simmons played on three Final Four squads (2005, 2007-2008) and another Elite Eight team (2006), serving as a team captain and the Lady Vols representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Simmons was a high school star at one of the nation’s most storied prep programs, earning Tennessee Miss Basketball honors at Shelbyville (Tenn.) High in 2004. She earned WBCA All-American honors and played in both the WBCA and McDonald’s All-America Games following her senior season. Simmons was also tabbed an All-America player by Street & Smith’s (2nd team) and was a USAToday and Student Sports Junior All-America in 2003.
Also an honorable mention Street & Smith’s All-America selection in 2001 and 2002, Simmons helped the Golden Eaglettes to state championships in 2001, 2003 and 2004. She was a three-time All-State selection, four-time All-District choice and was named Mid-State Player of the Year in 2003.
On the AAU circuit, Simmons was named a 16U All-American in 2003 and helped her team to a third-place finish at AAU Nationals and a first-place finish at AAU Junior Nationals.
She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2008 with a degree in exercise science.
Simmons and her husband, Christian, have two daughters – Carsyn and Channing.
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