July 8, 2007

Stockton, Calif. - University of the Pacific Head Women's Basketball Coach Lynne Roberts has announced that Amber Simmons (Chico, Calif.) will join the Tigers' program for next season. Simmons will play for the Tigers after spending the last three years at Chico State. She will redshirt the 2007-08 season due to NCAA transfer rules and will have one year of eligibility remaining.

"We are excited that Amber has decided to continue her education and playing career here at Pacific," said Roberts. "As an NCAA Division II All-American, I am confident that her athleticism and talent will be a tremendous asset to our program."

A graduate of Chico High School, Simmons spent three seasons at Chico State where she led the Wildcats to three straight Division II NCAA tournament appearances, including a Final Four appearance in 2006 and most recently a trip to the Sweet 16 last season. Last season as a junior, Simmons posted 16.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while tallying 26 blocks, 61 steals, and a .502 shooting percentage en route to her second straight First Team All-West Region selection. In 2005-06, Simmons earned Division II All-America honors after averaging 18.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 blocked shots per game in the process. As a freshman, Simmons was named the California Collegiate Athletic Association Freshman of the Year.