University of Oklahoma Athletics

Women's Gymnastics

Melissa Simmons
Melissa Simmons
Melissa Simmons is in her fourth season as the director of operations for the women’s gymnastics program. Simmons came to OU from N.C. State where she served as the director of operations for the wrestling program from 2014-2019.

Simmons wrestled at Oklahoma City University during her collegiate career. She helped OCU capture three of its four team national championships and three of its five NWCA National Duals titles from 2009-11. She went 73-18 with 42 falls. She became the 2008 72-kilogram national champion, then the 2010 82-kilo national runner-up. After finishing in third place at 158 pounds as a junior, Simmons competed on the U.S. World Team.

Originally from Ridgefield, Wash., Simmons earned seven national titles and All-America honors competing as a youth. She trained at the U.S. Olympic Education Center prior to her collegiate career. Simmons graduated from Oklahoma City University in 2010 with a B.S. degree in kinesiology and exercise science.

In 2022, Simmons was the first female to receive the Medal of Courage by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The honor is awarded to a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome what appears to be insurmountable challenges, while providing inspiration to others.