Five years into his career, Mike “Coach Simo” Simonson felt called by the Lord to coach women’s basketball. Simonson comes from Seattle Pacific University (SPU), where he served as the assistant coach for two years before transitioning to head coach for six years. Simonson began his professional career early as a student manager for the Washington State University men’s basketball program. After graduation, he joined the coaching staff there for nine years. 

Meeting Simonson, one can sense the joy and passion he has for his role and for Biola athletics. The draw of Biola and challenge of faith is what brought him down to California. 

“I’m a relational coach. I’m big on spiritual development on and off the court,” Simonson said.

His time at SPU was special because that was his home and the start of his career. Leaving was not easy.

“The hardest day of my coaching career was telling my team up there that I was going to come to Biola, because there were a lot of sad and frustrated faces,” Simonson said.

There was a sense of comfortability and knowledge that they had a good team going there in Seattle. Despite the growth process, Simonson learned key skills to implement in his new chapter.  

“The last six years as head coach, was really like me finding my own vision, voice and system to run my program. So now when I come to Biola, there’s not much trial and error, it’s kind of this plug and play,” Simonson said. 

Simonson focuses on intentionality. He wants his team to be the loudest bench in the conference and to be invested in one another. He promises to lead a team that celebrates each other’s successes with intention. Simonson wants the team to never forget to compete and do it well.

“You know it says in the Bible, run your race to win,” Simonson said. “When the fans come to watch us and the students, they will see a team that’s united.”

Simonson emphasized the importance of people seeing a team that supports each other. 

“I think that’s what it would look like, a competitive team and a team that’s united, that cheers on each other’s successes for sure,” he said.

He speaks on their mission to be a strong, competitive, and courageous team—a team of women constantly striving to be better on and off the court, not only for themselves but also for each other. 

MALE COACH IN A WOMEN’S SPORT

Simonson’s heart for women’s basketball and the sport as a whole shines bright as he discusses everything the Lord is doing and the fruit of their dedication.

“I’m a male coach in a female sport, and I feel so honored to be coaching women’s basketball in a time like today,” Simonson said.

It is no secret that sports have long been male-dominated, but women’s sports have gradually gained more attention throughout the years, especially recently. Simonson notes notable Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players in the past, such as Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, and even recent stars Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese, who have been catalysts toward this attention.

“I almost get teary eyes sometimes watching these games that are sold out of the WNBA level, because that growth has been a steady growth for the last four to five years,” Simonson said. 

He marvels at the impact the WNBA growth has on current students and young girls who watch these professional women athletes thrive. Simonson is looking forward to fostering their love for the game at a young age.

“I can’t wait to have my first summer youth girls basketball camp here [at Biola], because that’s what we will do,”  Simonson said.

He speaks of his wife, Katie, who shares a common interest in coaching and is a former professional player herself. They coached together for a total of four years.

“I mean, that’s how we fell in love, coaching together, we got to see each other’s character with kind of like the mask off, so to speak,” Simonson said.

It is clear that Katie impacts his life and his coaching of women who have a hunger to win. He speaks highly of her character and experience, which the team will have access to. Simonson is beyond humbled and honored to take on this role of head coach in a program of young women who desire to compete with passion, grace, and mission for the Lord. 

MISSIONAL FOCUS

Simonson emphasized the importance of going where the Lord takes them. Everything led up to him and his wife, Katie, moving to California to pursue a mission and a passion for coaching. They have a sign in their home that states, “When I met you, I knew an adventure had started.” They are committed to going where they are called. He is dedicated to seeing the growth of the program continue to flourish.

“We have already improved in three days of practice and they’re a hungry group that wants to get better,” Simonson said. 

After leaving his home in Seattle, Simonson has found a new home within Biola. He continues to express his gratitude and excitement for the opportunities this upcoming season will bring.

“I feel so honored to be the head coach here at Biola, because what this university stands for, the Christian mission, that’s just something I feel very submitted and called to,” Simonson said.

Proudly sporting the Biola red this season, Simonson is committed to the adventure he has embarked on with a team pursuing constant growth and unity.