Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Simmons
Alex, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, basketball was always a huge part of my life. I played at Shelbyville High School in Tennessee, one of the most storied prep programs in the country.
My passion for the game led me to the University of Tennessee, where I had the privilege of playing under Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt. Competing at the highest level and winning back-to-back NCAA National Championships shaped my understanding of leadership, discipline, and resilience – values that have carried me throughout my career.
After college, I transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State and Ole Miss. Those years allowed me to develop my leadership style, recruit top-tier talent, and mentor young athletes. In 2018, I became the head coach at Gardner-Webb University, where I built a championship-winning program and led the team to their first NCAA tournament appearance in over a decade.
In April 2023, I was honored to be named the head coach of the Memphis Tigers women’s basketball program. My first season at Memphis was full of exciting moments, including taking a ranked Tennessee team to overtime in Knoxville and leading my team to key victories in the American Athletic Conference.
My experience as both a student-athlete and a coach has taught me the power of habits—how consistency in wellness, mindset, and routine can shape success. I’ve also learned the importance of adaptability. Just like in sports, personal style and self-care require flexibility and evolution. I want to share that journey with others.
In this next phase of my career, I hope to be an example for anyone who wants to branch out and build their brand but isn’t sure where to start. Through my work, my style, and my message, I want to show what courage, strength, perseverance, and drive look like—both on and off the court.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No road worth traveling is ever smooth, and my journey has been no different. As a coach, navigating the ever-changing landscape of college athletics has been a learning experience. The expectations on young athletes have changed, and part of my role is helping to lead them through these new challenges while staying grounded in their goals.
Balancing my career with motherhood has also been a challenge, but one that has taught me so much about prioritization, patience, and grace. Being a coach, a mentor, and a mother requires me to be intentional with my time and energy. I want my daughters to see that they can chase their dreams fearlessly while still making space for the things and people that matter most.
At the same time, I’ve learned the importance of self-care. When you dedicate yourself to all of these things, it’s easy to put yourself last. Over time, I’ve realized that taking care of myself, through fitness, mindfulness, or just making time for things that bring me joy, allows me to show up fully for my team, my family, and the people that look up to me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a college women’s basketball coach, a former NCAA champion, and now a lifestyle enthusiast with a focus on empowerment, wellness, and style. My work is centered on leadership – both in coaching and in helping young women build confidence in every area of life.
What sets me apart is my versatility. There aren’t many college basketball coaches who also step into the world of lifestyle, and I take pride in bridging those two worlds. I want to show that you don’t have to fit into just one box – you can be strong, stylish, competitive, and graceful all at once. Whether I’m leading my team through a tough practice, speaking to young women about confidence, or sharing my favorite self-care routines, my goal is always the same: to help people feel empowered in their own journeys.
Some of my proudest moments have come from watching my players succeed – both on the court and in life. Seeing them hit milestones, grow into leaders, and apply the lessons we’ve built together is the most rewarding part of what I do. And beyond my players, I take just as much pride in being a role model for my daughters – showing them that passion, perseverance, and purpose can coexist in every area of life.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, my family has also been my biggest support system. My husband, Christian, has always been in my corner. He takes on so much behind the scenes, making personal sacrifices so I can chase my dreams. With a job that demands so much of my time, he carries a huge part of our household and family responsibilities, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. And my daughters, Carsyn and Channing, inspire me every day. Everything I do, on and off the court, is about showing them what’s possible when you work hard, stay true to yourself, and lift others up along the way.
I’ve also been influenced by so many incredible coaches throughout my career – from middle school to now. Pat Summitt, Rick Insell, Holly Warlick, Dawn Staley, Joni Taylor, Tamika Jeter – the list goes on. I’m constantly learning from other coaches, listening to their philosophies, and soaking up different perspectives through podcasts and interviews.
Outside of coaching, my biggest influence in building my brand has been my sister. She works in marketing and has had success at Starbucks Corporate, and she’s opened my eyes to opportunities I hadn’t even considered. I also have former teammates who are now stepping into the branding and business world, and seeing their growth has been incredibly inspiring.
I believe success isn’t something you achieve alone. It’s built through the support, influence, and guidance of the people around you. I’ve been blessed to have some of the best.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexsimmons2/
- Twitter: https://x.com/apsimms2
- Other: https://gotigersgo.com/staff-directory/alex-simmons/2775
