Mike Simonson became the head coach of the Biola Women's Basketball Program in the summer of 2024. The 2025-26 season will be his second year as the Eagles' head coach.
Through the Years
Before Biola
Prior to joining the Biola Athletics staff, Simonson spent eight seasons at Seattle Pacific University, serving six years as head coach (2018–2024) and two years as an assistant coach (2016–2018). Simonson and his wife, Katie, coached together at Seattle Pacific from 2018–23. Katie was an All-American at SPU and played professionally overseas in England.
During his tenure at SPU, Simonson led the Falcons to four consecutive GNAC Conference Tournament appearances and improved the program’s win-loss record in three straight seasons. He coached all conference players Hunter Beirne, Olivia Mayer, Ashley Alter and Natalie Hoff. Every team under his leadership posted a GPA of 3.45 or higher and his 2019 team was the GNAC's Academic Team Champion.
Before his time at Seattle Pacific, Simonson worked at Washington State University from 2011–16 as the Director of Men’s Basketball Operations. He also served as a student assistant with the Cougars’ men’s basketball program while completing his undergraduate degree.
Coaching Expertise & Additional Experience
Simonson is known for his tough, hard-nosed man-to-man pack defense, which he learned from Tony Bennett, former Washington State men’s basketball head coach and national champion at the University of Virginia. He also utilizes an unscripted, free-flowing motion offense known as the “Red Sea Offense,” which emphasizes player movement, backdoor cuts, and balanced scoring, resulting in assists on more than 60 percent of made baskets.
He also has experience as a voting member of the NCAA Women's Basketball Rules Committee which drafts all rule changes and modifications for the sport across all three NCAA divisions.
Personal
Simonson graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in History. He got married in 2022 to his wife, Katie. Outside of basketball, Simonson enjoys golf, triathlons, and is an avid Seattle Mariners and professional boxing fan. His favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28.
When asked why he chose Biola, Simonson shared, “To work at a premier Christian institution, I am eager to build on the great foundation already laid here. I can’t wait to build Biola into a nationally known Christian program in women’s basketball.”
Playing Career
Simonson was a three-sport athlete in high school, competing in football, basketball, and golf. He earned Second Team All-Conference recognition in football.
