LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates College assistant women's volleyball coach Grace Kenningham has been named the next head women's volleyball coach at Simmons University, announced by the Sharks last week.

Kenningham departs after one season on the Bobcats' staff, playing a pivotal role in the program's continued development and helping guide Bates to its highest win total since 2019 in the highly competitive New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).

"We are excited for Grace as she takes this important next step in her coaching journey," said Bates Interim Director of Athletics Will Rothermel. "Her leadership and passion for the sport made a strong impact during her time in Lewiston, and we wish her the very best at Simmons."

Kenningham joined the garnet and white after two seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Roger Williams University, where she helped lead the Hawks to a Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) tournament appearance in 2023.

A 2020 graduate of Roger Williams with a bachelor's degree in political science, Kenningham was a four-year standout for the Hawks. She served as a team captain her senior year and helped lead the program to three consecutive CCC championship game appearances, contributing to a 29-5 conference record during her playing career.