Larkin names Simmons new coach

Larkin High School has turned to a former outstanding Royal to lead its girls basketball program.

Tissanie Simmons, a 2003 Larkin graduate who went on to play for some of Tory Gum’s best Judson University teams, was named Friday as the Royals’ new head girls basketball coach.

She replaces Alphonso Lott, who stepped down recently after two seasons and a 4-45 record.

“We are extremely excited to have Tissanie as the head coach of our girls program,” said Larkin Athletic Director Chris Neibch in an e-mailed statement. “She brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the table and she wants only the best for Larkin High School.”

Simmons was a three-year varsity player at Larkin, a two-year captain and a three-time defensive player of the year for former coach Amy Silverman. She was the 2002-03 Larkin Female Athlete of the Year before going on to a stellar career at Judson.

While with the Eagles Simmons, who holds Judson records for steals and assists, played on Gum’s 2004-05 NAIA National Tournament qualifier and on the 2005-06 team that won a conference title and made it to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen.

She was Lott’s assistant in 2009-10 and this past season was Larkin’s head freshman coach.

Simmons’ challenge will be to resurrect a program that hit bottom the last two years, going 0-23 in 2009-10 and 4-22 this past season with three of those wins coming against winless crosstown rival Elgin.

During the 2009-10 season, Lott, as well as Larkin boys basketball coach Deryn Carter were suspended from coaching for the remainder of the season shortly after Christmas when it was learned they were coaching without the proper ACEP certification required by the IHSA, which also landed Larkin on probation with the IHSA.

Simmons was not immediately available for comment Friday night.