Dawn Simmons has 772 wins over nearly three decades as the head coach at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia, where she was a three-sport athlete and is a member of the school’s Sports Hall of Fame.

She is the winningest softball coach in Old Dominion Athletic Conference history and ranks 11th in victories among active NCAA Division III coaches.

Simmons took a few minutes to answer 20 questions for the NFCA …

What is the very first thing you do with your team when starting a new season? 

Get them connected as soon as possible once they arrive to campus to be sure they are settled in and doing OK. We try to do some type of team-bonding activity as well before starting into practices. 

What one characteristic must every person who plays for you have?

Love for the game, commitment and a strong work ethic. 

Why did you get into coaching?

I love sports, competition, connecting with the players, building relationships and helping them achieve their goals. 

What is the most difficult part of being a coach?

The time commitment that takes away from family time. 

What is the most rewarding thing about being a coach?

The relationships and helping players grow on and off the field and work to reach their goals. Many great memories. Also being a part of their lives after they graduate. 

If you could have dinner with other coaches from any time in history, who would they be?

Pat Summit, John Wooden, Karen Weekly, Mike Candrea, Patty Gasso

What is the one thing in life or coaching you won’t compromise on?

Culture, integrity. 

What is the one thing you personally feel you need to have to succeed as a coach?

Commitment, trust/support, great coaching staff.

How do you define success?

Paying attention to detail, doing the little things right, working today to be better than yesterday. Seeing players commit to the process, grow, reach their goals … being a part of the process and celebrating/enjoying seeing their hard work pay off. 

What makes a great coaching staff?

Caring, commitment, loyal … having the same goals that provide a great learning and growth environment for the players and true passion for the process. 

What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a loss?

It can provide growth and motivation. 

What is a goal you have for YOURSELF over the next 12 months? 

To provide the best day-in and day-out experience for our student-athletes as possible, while staying committed to what our program is built around. 

What is an objective you have set for your TEAM this next season?

T.O.P. - Trust Our Process 

What would be an area in your coaching you’d like to improve?

All.

What would you want a former player to say about you?

That I helped them on and off the field and they appreciated being pushed to be the best versions of themselves they could be while also knowing they were cared for. 

What do you feel is the most important thing a coach can provide to their players?

Structure, coaching, memorable experiences, accountability, support.

How would you describe your coaching style/philosophy?

I feel like I have kind of already answered this through my others answers. 

What piece of advice would you give a fellow coach?

Find a great staff to surround yourself with, be loyal to yourself and your values, recruit the kids that fit your program and always be honest. 

What do you do for fun in your downtime?

I enjoy spending time with my family and four dogs and I enjoy working out and any outdoor activities. 

What would someone be surprised to learn about you?

That when I was growing up I wanted to be a doctor.