BALTIMORE, Md. - Morgan State University announced the appointment of Agina Simpkins as the new head coach of the Bears' Acrobatics & Tumbling program. Simpkins brings more than 25 years of coaching experience, eight years as an official, and a distinguished athletic background that includes competing as a 7 time United States National Team member in gymnastics. Simpkins becomes just the second head coach in program history.
 
"I'm excited to welcome Agina Simpkins to the Morgan family," said Vice President/Director of Athletics Dena Freeman-Patton. "Agina brings not only the competition experience, but also a background in judging the sport as well that our young ladies will benefit from immediately. I look forward to the continued growth of our acrobatics & tumbling program under her leadership."
 
A native of Chicago, Ill., Simpkins accepted a five-year, full-ride gymnastics scholarship to the University of Georgia, where she excelled as a student-athlete. Beyond gymnastics, she went on to capture two individual national championship titles in USCA Cheerleading. Her competitive career also included seven years as a member of the United States National Team, representing the U.S. in international competitions such as USA vs. USSR and USA vs. Mexico.
 
Simpkins has since transitioned her competitive excellence into an extensive coaching and officiating career. She has had her own gymnastics program "Imagine Gymnastics" for the past 18 years. She has been a certified NCATA official for the past eight years, judging multiple Conference Carolinas Championships and officiating at the NCATA National Championships. She is also recognized as a coach who prioritizes mental toughness, physical excellence, and academic accountability, developing athletes who succeed in both competition and the classroom.
 
"It is an incredible honor to join Morgan State University and lead this Acrobatics & Tumbling program," said Simpkins. "I believe this team has the talent, discipline, and spirit to be among the best in the nation. My goal is not only to prepare our athletes to compete at the highest level, but also to help them grow as leaders beyond the sport. And above all, I want to pack the stands with fans and create an unforgettable home atmosphere for Morgan Athletics." 
 
Simpkins' coaching and leadership impact has reached beyond the gym, as she has mentored student-athletes nationwide and has spoken to teams at the national level, including Fisk University, the first HBCU to sponsor women's gymnastics.

"After an extensive nationwide search, I am thrilled to welcome Coach Agina Simpkins to The National Treasure as the new leader of our Acrobatics & Tumbling program," said Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Services, Keshia Campbell. "With her distinguished background as a former gymnastics coach and accomplished student-athlete, Coach Simpkins brings exceptional energy and expertise to the role. Her extensive experience as a judge with the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association will be a tremendous asset, providing our student-athletes with immediate insights into the skills and execution that judges value most. With Coach Simpkins at the helm, I am confident our program is poised to reach new heights. I am elated for our student-athletes, for Coach Simpkins, and for our fans. I look forward to watching our team thrive and flourish."

About Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 academic degree and certificate programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.