news-category: Athletics سԹ Announces Contract Extension for Head Coach Alex Simmons By Office of University Communications On March 16, 2022 Simmons Recently Wrapped up her Fourth Season at GWU BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – سԹ and head women’s basketball coach Alex Simmons agreed to a contract extension through the 2025-2026 season, the school announced Wednesday. Simmons recently wrapped up her fourth season in charge at سԹ and has won 61 games while building her program. “At سԹ, we want to win championships,” explained GWU President William Downs. “Alex Simmons knows very well what’s it’s like to win it all as a player. With this contract extension, we are betting on Coach Simmons to make it happen here. Her teams play hard, they leave it all on the court, and they get their fiery energy from their courtside leader. I’m eager to see our end-of-season momentum carry us to new heights in the future.” have posted winning records in Big South play each season under Simmons, including a 13-5 mark and fourth-place finish in 2021-2022. That included a run to the semifinals of the 2022 Hercules Tires Big South Conference Championships, where the ‘Dogs took top-seed Campbell down the wire before falling 51-50. “I am excited to continue to build a legacy at Gardner Webb with our women’s basketball staff and program,” said Simmons. “I have been blessed to be surrounded by a group of people who are committed to the growth of our student-athletes and the success of our program. I want to thank Dr. Downs and Chuck Burch for this opportunity to continue to lead the Runnin’ Bulldogs. We have seen tremendous growth and improvement over the last four years and I am eager to see the new heights we will reach in the future.” “Alex has women’s basketball at سԹ headed in the right direction,” said Vice President for Athletics Chuck Burch. “Her focus on doing it the right way, and with enthusiasm, has steered the Runnin’ Bulldogs toward success. She is a championship-level head coach and we are confident in a terrific future here.” Simmons is tied to a storied history of successful basketball, learning under the legendary Pat Summitt as a player on two national championship teams at Tennessee from 2004-2009. The Lady Vols advanced to three Final Fours during Simmons’ career in Knoxville. The Shelbyville, Tenn., native also played at famed Shelbyville High before heading off to college, earning WBCA and McDonald’s All-America honors as a senior. She led the Golden Eagles to three state titles and powered her AAU team to a national crown. Simmons started her coaching career as a graduate assistant at Kansas, then went on to a terrific stint on the bench at Middle Tennessee State. She helped lead the Blue Raiders to three NCAA Tournament appearances as an assistant coach before moving on to the same role at Ole Miss. She also served as interim head coach at Ole Miss before accepting the سԹ job on April 24, 2018. Simmons graduated from Tennessee in 2008 with a degree in exercise science. She and her husband, Christian, have two daughters – Carsyn and Channing.
News Article Q&A with Molly Hanley with سԹ’s First Head Coach for Acrobatics and Tumbling Molly Hanley Discusses Her Coaching Philosophy, Inspiration, and the Vision for Launching a New Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Molly Hanley, the first head coach for سԹ Acrobatics and Tumbling, recently sat down for a Q&A with سԹ Sports Information. She offers some insight into her background, building a program, and what to expect from the first […] Office of University Communications | June 10, 2026
News Article سԹ Receives Dover Foundation Grant for Dover Chapel Lighting Renovation Upgrades will Brighten Worship, Gatherings, and Student Performances in Campus Landmark BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—سԹ has received a generous $66,500 grant from The Dover Foundation to support a major lighting renovation in Dover Chapel. The project will enhance one of the University’s most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering […] Office of University Communications | June 9, 2026
News Article سԹ, Foothills Workforce Board Empower Students Through Searight Scholars Program High School Students Explore Food Systems, Careers, and Real-World Challenges Through Immersive Event BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cheese, strawberries and avocados became more than everyday foods for participants in سԹ’s inaugural Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP). Through hands-on learning, students explored how those items reach their plates—and why, in some communities across the United States, access […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026