Nadia Simmons is entering her first year as the Assistant to the Athletic Director for Academic Intervention and Student-Athlete Support at North Carolina Wesleyan University. A two-time Wesleyan graduate, Simmons brings a strong foundation in leadership, academics, and student-athlete experience to this newly developed role within the athletic department.
In her position, Simmons collaborates closely with campus support services to assist student-athletes in reaching their academic potential. Her responsibilities include weekly one-on-one meetings with students—especially first-year student-athletes—focused on academic success, goal-setting, and transition strategies. In addition to academic support, she also plays a key role in enhancing leadership development opportunities for student-athletes across all sports.
Simmons earned her Master of Business Administration in May 2025 with a perfect 4.0 GPA after completing her Bachelor of Science in Business and Sports Administration in 2024, graduating with a 3.93 GPA. While at NCWU, she was a standout student and athlete. A five-year member of the Battling Bishops women’s basketball program, Simmons served as team captain and earned honors such as USA South First Team All-Conference (2025), NCWU Female Student-Athlete of the Year (2024), and CSC Academic All-District (2022–2025).
A dedicated scholar, she authored an honors thesis titled “The Business of the WNBA: The Lives and Professional Growth of Athletes in American Basketball,” which was published in Omnium in 2024. Simmons also served as Vice-President of the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program, President of the NCWU Optimist Club, and was selected as the USA South Conference representative to the NCAA National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in 2025.
“Nadia has made a lasting impact on our campus as both a student-athlete and a young professional,” said NCWU Director of Athletics Aaron Denton. “Her work ethic, leadership, and genuine care for others make her an incredible role model for our student-athletes and a valued member of our athletic staff.”
Beyond campus, Simmons remains active in community recreation. She currently works with Nash County Parks & Recreation and has previously served as Youth Sports Interim Director at the Henderson Family YMCA. She is passionate about mentoring youth and using sport as a tool for positive personal development.
