Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Blake Simmons is entering his sixth year on the coaching staff for the Lenoir-Rhyne University and the first on the women's bench. Simmons spent his first five seasons as an Assistant Coach for the men's program. 

Simmons helped lead the Bears to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances (2016, 2019). Simmons helped coach the Bears to 21-win season in both NCAA Tournament years and coached the SAC Player of the Year, Regional Player of the Year and All-American Keenan Palmore and All-Conference player Will Perry. 

In 2018-19, Simmons coached Djibril Diallo and Cory Thomas to All-Conference selections and helped lead the Bears to a pair of wins over Queens University who was ranked in the top-10 in the nation both times. Simmons also helped LR to a win over Lincoln Memorial for the first time since 2010. Also in 2018-19, Lenoir-Rhyne advanced to the South Atlantic Conference Tournament Championship for the first time since 2005. 

Simmons was Head Student Assistant Coach at Charlotte (2011-15) for four years where he assisted in recruiting and video and was BIG SHOTS Facility Director in 2015. 

Simmons graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in history.