LA MIRADA --- Biola University Athletics is excited to welcome Katie Simonson as its new Director of Athletics Development.

Simonson brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and donor relations. Most recently, she served as a donor relations officer at Claris Health, where she managed a portfolio of major donors and helped advance the organization's fundraising initiatives. 

Prior to joining Claris Health, Simonson served as an Advancement Officer for Major Gifts at Seattle Pacific University, where she managed a portfolio of more than 250 major and planned gift donors, cultivated prospective supporters and assisted with university advancement events and initiatives.

As Director of Athletics Development, Simonson will lead fundraising efforts for Biola Athletics, working alongside the athletics administration and coaching staff to support the fundraising goals of each program and the department as a whole.

Simonson will oversee Biola Athletics' annual Athletics Week of Giving campaign while helping lead major fundraising efforts for future facility projects. She will report directly to Associate Vice President for Student Development Dr. Bethany Miller and work closely with the university's Office of Advancement.

"Our department is growing in new and exciting ways, and I am so grateful we now have Katie on board to experience this with us," said Miller. "I am confident that, through her giftings, she will contribute in incredible ways to the continued success of Biola Athletics. She is well equipped to lead this important area of our department as we push towards big goals."

Throughout her career, Simonson has specialized in building meaningful relationships and connecting donors with causes that make a lasting impact. At Claris Health, she developed stewardship strategies, helped re-engage lapsed donors, and partnered with leadership to identify and advance major gift prospects.

During her time at Seattle Pacific, Simonson also helped lead several university events, including the 50-year reunion, President's Weekend and the Spring Thank You Dinner. She tracked donor engagement through Raiser's Edge NXT and worked closely with the advancement team to maintain consistent messaging across a high-volume portfolio.

Earlier in her career, Simonson also served as an Area Representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where she mentored student-athletes while leading fundraising efforts throughout the Seattle Eastside community.

"I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to serve at Biola Athletics," stated Simonson. "It is a privilege to work alongside such outstanding coaches and student-athletes while helping provide the resources they need to thrive. Investing in the future of this program and building meaningful relationships with those who believe in its mission is truly an honor. I can't wait to get to work and be part of all that God has in store for Biola Athletics."

In addition to her fundraising background, Simonson brings valuable collegiate athletics experience after serving as an assistant women's basketball coach at Seattle Pacific University from 2018-23. She oversaw recruiting, team operations, student-athlete onboarding, compliance responsibilities and youth camps while serving as a key liaison between coaches, student-athletes and university administration.

Simonson was also a standout student-athlete at Seattle Pacific before beginning her career in collegiate athletics and advancement. Over 111 games from 2011-14, the 6-foot-2 forward averaged 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. She was a two-time First Team All-GNAC selection and earned WBCA All-America Honorable Mention honors as a senior in 2014 after averaging 19.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.

She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Communications and International Affairs from Seattle Pacific before earning a master's degree in International Relations from Durham University in England.

Simonson also has a personal connection to Biola Athletics through her husband, Mike Simonson, who serves as the Eagles' head women's basketball coach. She joined the Biola Athletics staff in this new capacity earlier this month.