Jessica Simmonds joined VCU as an assistant coach in April of 2022.
Simmonds brings more than a decade of coaching experience including stints at Farleigh Dickinson, Siena, Chesapeake College and Hampton. Prior to coaching, Simmonds played professionally in Europe and for the Jamaican National Team after a decorated playing career at George Washington and Providence.
“I am so thrilled to add Jessica Simmonds to our staff and welcome her to the VCU community. Jessica brings a wealth of experience in developing student-athletes and allowing them to reach the highest level on the court. She creates genuine, authentic relationships that align with our values and will enhance the culture of our program. I am so excited for Jessica to join Ram Nation,” O’Boyle said.
At Farleigh Dickson, Smmonds helped lead the Knights to the 2022 WNIT and a school-record 15 wins in conference play. The Knights went 19-2 overall and 153 in the Northeast Conference. Simmonds helped coach NEC Player of the Year Madison Stanley.
During Simmonds time at FDU, the Knights won 47 games in three seasons, the most wins in a three-year span since 1989-1992. Prior to the Knights, Simmonds spent three seasons at Siena where the Saints finished in the top four two of her three seasons including a trip to the MAAC Semifinals in 2017-18.
Prior to her stint at Siena, Simmonds served as a head coach on the AAU circuit for two years with the Lady Choz (Guachos) and Team Takeover. In 2012-13, she served at Chesapeake College helped the Skipjacks to thee NJCAA Division II Region XX Championship and a top-10 national ranking.
At Hampton, she served as a volunteer assistant in 2011-12 as the Pirates won the MEAC Championship and MEAC regular season title while posting a record of 26-5. Hampton earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
As a student-athlete, Simmonds had 1,279 career points, 796 rebounds, 211 steals and 117 blocks across her time at Providence (2001-03) and George Washington (2003-06). She was a two-time All-Atlantic 10 selection and team captain. She led the Colonials to two A-10 regular season titles and a pair of NCAA Tournament wins.
She played professionally in Europe between 2006-09 for Kastoria (Greece), Cesis (Latvia) and Mersin (Turkey). She was also a member of the Jamaican National Team which competed in a pre-Olympic qualifier in the Summer of 2007.
A native of Orange, N.J., Simmonds graduated from George Washington with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and also holds an associate degree in nursing from ECPI.
