Rebels Name New Softball Coach

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — In a special called meeting Monday, the Vestavia Hills Board of Education approved the hiring of a new softball coach to lead the Rebels onto the field for the 2022 season.

John Simmons was named the new coach form the Rebels, after 27-years coaching in Hayden. Simmons compiled a 659-299 overall record with the Wildcats — including state championships in 2013 and 2019. He was named ASWA Softball Coach of the Year in 2013 and was selected to coach in the 2016 AHSAA North/South All-Star Game.

Simmons is no stranger to Vestavia Hills, as he served from 1992 to 1994 as the city’s field and gym supervisor while working for the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Department.

Vestavia Hills City Schools athletic director Myra Miles said Monday she was “thrilled to welcome Coach Simmons and his family” to the community.

“When we talked with other teams, coaches, and administrators about Coach Simmons, we kept hearing the same message: that he’s a great man, his teams are always prepared and play with grit, and he leads with class and respect,” Miles said.