Ashley Hawkins and Darryl Simmons II Named Gardner-Webb Athletes of The Week

Hawkins Led Women’s Basketball on Opening Night Win; Simmons Stands Out in Men’s Basketball Games

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—After posting strong opening weeks of the season on the court, sophomore guard Darryl Simmons II of the Gardner-Webb University men’s basketball team, and senior guard Ashley Hawkins of the women’s basketball team, have been named GWU’s Athletes of The Week.

In men’s basketball, Simmons was impressive in a loss to national No. 12 Tennessee and a win at N.C. Central. On opening night in Knoxville, Simmons scored 22 points and shot 8/16 from the field against the Volunteers, connecting on four three pointers, and recording one assist and one rebound. Then in a Runnin’ Bulldogs win on Friday at N.C. Central, Simmons scored 18 points on 8/9 shooting, while also grabbing six rebounds and dishing out four assists as the Red and Black won 88-82. Simmons is currently shooting 64% for the season.

In women’s basketball, Hawkins helped lead Gardner-Webb to an opening night win over West Georgia. The Long Beach, Calif., native scored 10 points, dished out nine assists, and iced the game in the final 30 seconds with an unassisted take to the basket. Hawkins increased her scoring on Friday night at Elon, scoring 21 points on a perfect 3/3 from three, all while grabbing five rebounds in 37 minutes. The senior guard is now shooting an even 50% from the field and a perfect 100% from three in two games.

Upcoming Athletic Events:

• Nov. 14 – 6 p.m. Volleyball vs. Winthrop, Paul Porter Arena.
• Nov. 15-20 – Men’s Tennis at NCAA National Individual Championships in Waco, Texas.
• Nov. 15 – Cross Country at NCAA Southeast Regional, Rock Hill, S.C.
• Nov. 15 – 11 a.m., Women’s Basketball at Richmond, Va.
• Nov. 15 – 6 p.m., Volleyball at Winthrop, Rock Hill, S.C.
• Nov. 15 – 7 p.m., Men’s Basketball vs. Elon, Paul Porter Arena.
• Nov. 16 – Track and Field at Get Your Marks Field Event Meet, Winston-Salem, N.C.
• Nov. 16 – 1:30 p.m., Football vs. Tennessee State, Spangler Stadium.
• Nov. 16 – 6 p.m., Men’s Soccer at No. 22 High Point (N.C.), Big South Conference Tournament.
• Nov. 17 – 2 p.m. Women’s Basketball at James Madison, Harrisonburg, Va.
• Nov. 19 – 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball at UNC-Charlotte.
• Nov. 21-24 – Swimming at Queens in Charlotte, N.C.
• Nov. 21 – 6:30 p.m., Women’s Baskeball at UNC-Charlotte.
• Nov. 22-23 – Volleyball at Big South Tournament.
• Nov. 23 – 1 p.m., Women’s Basketball vs. Johnson C. Smith, Paul Porter Arena.
• Nov. 23 – 2 p.m., Football at Western Illinois in Macomb.
• Nov. 24 – Wrestling at Army, West Point, N.Y.
• Nov. 26 & 27 – Men’s Basketball vs. Southeastern Louisiana in Cancun (Mexico) Challenge.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.