LA MIRADA, Calif. — Biola University is pleased to announce Mike Simonson as the new head coach of the Biola Women's Basketball program. Simonson takes the helm of the Eagles following five years leading the Seattle Pacific Falcons of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

"I am thrilled to add coach Simonson to our staff at Biola. He is an enthusiastic leader with tremendous experience across several levels of the sport," said Dr. Bethany Miller, associate vice president for student development. "Throughout the time I spent with Mike, it became clear that he has a huge heart for his student-athletes, and he brings a clear coaching philosophy that will strengthen our program."

Prior to his head coach position at SPU, Simonson spent two seasons as the lead assistant under the previous head coach, Julie Heisey. It was his first foray into women's basketball after getting his start in the men's game under some incredible head coaches at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.

"I am ecstatic to be named the next Head Women's Basketball Coach at Biola University," said Simonson. "I am honored that God would take a coach like me; and direct the steps for me to lead the women's basketball program at Biola. It is a role I will not take lightly and I will give my best every day to improve on the solid foundation Coach Alan and so many others have put down here."

On the court, Coach Simo led the SPU Falcons to three consecutive GNAC Tournament berths, and off the court, he curated a culture of academic excellence with a team GPA of 3.59 being the second best in the GNAC and third in the west region.

"My goal as head coach is to lead a program that succeeds on the court, classroom and in the community," said Simonson. "Biola is a premiere Christian University and I will take privilege in elevating the Women's Basketball program to become nationally known in the Christian community."

A notable victory for Simonson's Falcons came when they defeated Azusa Pacific in the 2022-23 season. The SPU win over APU was one of just five losses that season for the Cougars, who went on to a regional semifinal appearance.

In 2023-24 Simonson was selected to begin a term serving on the NCAA Women's Basketball Rules Committee. He is one of two NCAA Division II representatives to serve on this select group.

"Coach Simo is well connected within the college basketball community. His history and established relationships within the west region and nationally will serve our program well," said Miller.

Simonson is a Washington native who will relocate to sunny Southern California as he enters this new opportunity at Biola. He'll be joined by his wife and former professional hooper, Katie Simonson. He and his wife are actively involved in their church community up in Washington, serving as "Village Leaders", working on the tech team, prayer team and also serving as a service leader.

He takes over a Biola team that has qualified for the PacWest Conference tournament every year it's been eligible but has not made it past the first round since 2021-22. He will look to extend Biola's streak of three consecutive winning seasons as he begins work in 2024-25. 

"We will be a team that plays a high IQ offense, tough hardnosed defense and our team will be united to play for each other," said Simonson. "We will take pride in who God created us to be and take pride in our institution. I can't wait to get to work with this amazing group of young women, our season can't come fast enough. Go Eagles!

The Eagles begin play on November 2 with a home exhibition contest against NAIA school La Sierra University. The 2024-25 roster features 14 players, including 10 returning players and four new student-athletes.