Who Was Yvonne Michelle Simmons? The First African American Female Coach in the Alabama Hall of Fame
Yvonne Michelle Simmons, a Hall of Fame girls basketball coach and former athletic director at Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, after a long illness. She was 70 years old.
Simmons was a pioneer and a legend in the field of high school sports, especially girls basketball. She led the Carver Wolverines for 29 years, from 1985 to 2014, winning 12 state championships, 18 regional titles, and 25 area crowns. She also coached several players who went on to play in college and professionally, such as DeWanna Bonner, Bianca Jackson, and Shaquera Wade.
Yvonne was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, becoming the first African American female coach to receive the honor. She was also recognized by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) as a national coach of the year finalist in 2008 and 2014.
Hall-of-Fame @Carver_FB girls basketball coach Yvonne Michelle Simmons has passed away. The AHSAA confirming the news tonight. Simmons led the Wolverines for 29 years. She recorded 558 wins while coaching at Carver. She had one state title in 1993 and 12 state tournament… pic.twitter.com/ZrxSNrFLo9
— Rosie Langello (@RosieLangello) January 12, 2024
Simmons was more than just a coach. She was a mentor, a role model, and a mother figure to many of her players and students. She taught them not only the skills and strategies of the game, but also the values and principles of life. She instilled in them a sense of discipline, teamwork, leadership, and excellence. She also encouraged them to pursue their academic and career goals, and to give back to their community.
Yvonne was beloved and respected by her colleagues, peers, and rivals. She was known for her passion, dedication, and professionalism. She was also a trailblazer and an advocate for women’s sports, especially in a state where football dominates the headlines. She helped raise the profile and popularity of girls basketball, and inspired many young women to follow in her footsteps.
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Simmons retired from coaching in 2014, but remained active in the Carver High School community as the athletic director until 2019. She also served as a board member of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association (AHSADCA).
Yvonne Michelle Simmons’ death has left a void in the hearts of many who knew and loved her. Her legacy, however, will live on through the countless lives she touched and influenced. She will be remembered as one of the greatest coaches and educators in Alabama history.
The Carver High School family, the Montgomery Public Schools system, and the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) have expressed their condolences and tributes to Simmons and her family. A memorial service and a celebration of life are being planned for a later date.
