Remembering Coach

On Jan. 28, 2023, Coach Greg Simmons passed away following a courageous battle with lung cancer. He led the baseball program at Charlotte Christian to achieve great success and was a beloved coach on campus. “Greg achieved unprecedented success as a baseball coach but it was his unwavering commitment to excellence in the name of Christ that set him apart,” shared Head of School Barry Giller. The CCS baseball field was dedicated and named in honor of Coach Simmons on April 20. It was a special evening to celebrate his life and legacy. At the dedication, it was also announced that the NCISAA 4A state baseball trophy was named after him - the Greg Simmons Championship Trophy. Coach had a lasting impact that was felt throughout the school and the baseball community.

“For 13 years I had the privilege of working with Coach Greg Simmons. He loved the Lord, his family, Charlotte Christian and baseball. The awards and recognition Coach Simmons received are too numerous to recount; however, his loving family should be most proud of the lives that Coach impacted by simply allowing God to use him while he did something he loved and to the best of his ability.” - Head of School Barry Giller

“I had the privilege of working side by side with Coach for the past decade. He certainly worked with a lot of talented student-athletes over the years, but he always had a knack for getting the best out of his players. There is no doubt that Coach wanted to win, but more than that, he cared about the relationships he developed with his players. Years after they had graduated, he would write them letters and give them calls to check in. Frequently, he would need to take time off to attend a wedding for one of his former players. The incredible success of the Charlotte Christian baseball program and the beautiful field we enjoy year after year is primarily due to the vision and passion of Coach. The legacy he leaves behind will be felt in his family and at the school for generations to come.” - Director of Athletics Andy Ross

“A man who left a lasting legacy on so many of his former players, including myself. Working alongside him for 10 seasons was a true honor and the impact he has had - not only on helping us grow into the men we are today but also and most importantly, pointing us to our Lord and Savior.” - Varsity Baseball Head Coach Reid Fronk (‘04)

“It was a rare but happy occurrence when I ended up at the same lunch table with Greg. You would think the baseball coach and fine arts director wouldn’t have much to talk about, but Greg was a great conversationalist and storyteller. A few times he and I had to put our heads together to figure out how a baseball playing choir student could play a few innings, run to a concert, then back to the game. More than once, a player sang in his uniform. Greg was bold in his faith, excellent in his craft, and a great mentor to hundreds of young men. Well done, good and faithful servant.” - Mrs. Kelly Goley, former fine arts director

“He meant a lot to me as he did to a lot of people. He was a coach first and then became a mentor, a really good friend and an amazing supporter. When I transferred in junior year in high school he gave me a home and the confidence I needed and propelled my career. I’m forever grateful for him.” - Mr. Daniel Bard (‘03), CCS Baseball Alumni & MLB Pitcher with Colorado Rockies

“Coach Simmons had a great impact on me when I was there. He was one of the main reasons that I wanted to come to play for him. He taught me so many life lessons - how to be a leader, how to respect everyone and how to be a great baseball player and play the game the right way. It was an honor and a privilege to be able to play for Greg.” - Mr. Bailey Ober (‘13), CCS Baseball Alum & MLB Pitcher with Minnesota Twins

“Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die. What Coach accomplished over the last 30 years at CCS and the lives he touched was nothing short of legendary. We’ll cherish the memories, remember the lessons, and never forget you.” - Mr. Jeff Lever (‘99)

“It was one of the best things that happened to me to be able to play for Coach Greg Simmons as a young man. He had an extremely profound impact on my life. My family and I will forever be grateful for his leadership and mentorship through my young baseball career and as a man.” - Mr. Jackson Kowar (‘15), CCS Baseball Alum & MLB Pitcher with Kansas City Royals

“Whatever season you were in life - whether you were a 16-year old that needed to be taught the lessons of toughness or a 30 something year old at a tough point in your professional career and needed some positivity - he always had your best interests in mind and had a way of saying and doing the right thing that you needed in that moment. Coach was so special in my life and instrumental and I don’t think I would still be playing professional baseball if it weren’t for Coach.” - Mr. Luke Bard (‘09), CCS Baseball Alumni & MLB Pitcher with Toronto Bluejays

“I don’t even know where to start. My coach, my mentor, my friend, my teacher, my brother in Christ. Since fifth grade he’s told me “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). He changed my life and who I am as a person and baseball was just the outlet for that. I wouldn’t be even half the man I am today without him. Beyond blessed and grateful to have known him and walked alongside of him for the time I did. He demonstrated how to love the Lord not only by faith but with how he acted every single day.” -John Lash, sophomore baseball player

“If the measure of a man’s life has anything to do with legacy, Greg Simmons lived amidst the elite. The seeds of impact he planted will sow fruit for generations to come. While our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the impact he had on our oldest son’s life. #relentless #42” - Mrs. Denise McCammon, current parent to an eighth grader and senior

“We were part of the CCS baseball program for seven years. No matter if on the middle school, JV or varsity team, the boys knew they were part of a family/community.” - Mrs. Krista Adams, parent of 2020 baseball player

“One of the toughest and classiest coaches and competitors I have ever had the privilege of coaching against. His teams were always talented and more than that very well coached and disciplined. We had great teams at Wesleyan as well in the 17 years I coached. We always knew who we had to go through every year. He whipped us a little more than we whipped him and we both always enjoyed playing one another. You are without a doubt the most accomplished High School Baseball coach North Carolina has ever seen!” - Coach Scott Davis, former varsity baseball head coach at Wesleyan Christian Academy