Bluefield, WV – Bluefield State University announces the hiring of Andrew B. Simmons, Sr. as Director of Sports Medicine / Head Athletic Trainer for the Big Blue. Simmons joins the Big Blue with over 20 years of experience in athletic Training and nearly two decades as a licensed physical therapist assistant. His career spans multiple levels from High School Athletics to professional sports and includes work in arena football, semi-professional soccer, and NCAA Division I and II programs.
Prior to joining the Big Blue, Simmons served as Assistant Athletic Trainer at Fayetteville State University, where he provided medical care for multiple sports, including the CIAA Indoor Track Championship team. Simmons' responsibilities included injury prevention, rehabilitation management, patient documentation, and collaboration with coaches, physicians, and other medical professionals to ensure optimal athlete care.
In 2021 – 2023, Simmons was the Head Athletic Trainer at Central State University, where he oversaw medical services for more than 200 student-athletes and supported the SIAC Men's Volleyball Championship team. Simmons' earlier experience includes a stop at the Dayton Sports Medicine Institute in Centerville, Ohio, serving at Northridge High School, and the Dayton Dutch Lions Football Club. While there, he managed injury evaluations, rehabilitation protocols, CPR training, documentation, and clinical instruction for Athletic Training students.
Simmons has also contributed to major events such as the Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas in 2023 and the HBCU Legacy Bowl in Louisiana in 2024. He also worked with the H2F program at Fort Bragg, further expanding his expertise in performance and rehabilitation.
As Director of Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer at Bluefield State University, Simmons aims to strengthen and expand the department by increasing staffing, creating internship opportunities, and introducing initiatives such as nutritional support stations, recovery rooms, and collaborations with exercise physiologists. He is committed to providing a Division I-level experience within a Division II environment—building a championship culture rooted in athlete health, safety, and excellence.
Simmons earned his Master's Degree in Management Science from Indiana Wesleyan University, a Bachelor's Degree in Athletic Training with a Minor in Kinesiology from Charleston Southern University, an Associate's Degree in Allied Health Science (Physical Therapy) from Trident Technical College, and an Associate's Degree in General Studies from Murray State Junior College.
He is an active member of the Ohio Physical Therapy Association, North Carolina Athletic Trainers' Association, National Athletic Trainers' Association, USA Swimming Association, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Simmons and his wife, Dr. Terri Huff-Simmons, are the proud parents of their two sons, Andrew Jr. and Aaron Simmons.
Bluefield State University Athletics is continuing to grow its Sports Medicine Department and is currently seeking two additional athletic trainers to join the Big Blue staff. Interested candidates can learn more here.
