Morgan State University Athletics Appoints Two New Head Coaches

Seasoned Leaders to Elevate Bears Softball and Acrobatics & Tumbling Programs  

BALTIMORE — Morgan State University Athletics has officially expanded its women’s sports coaching staff with the addition of two new leaders. Vice President and Director of Athletics Dena Freeman-Patton has named Melisa Shock as Head Softball Coach and Agina Simpkins as Head Acrobatics & Tumbling Coach. Both bring extensive experience, proven track records, and a commitment to student-athlete success that will help propel Morgan’s programs to new heights. 

With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Shock joins Morgan following a successful tenure at Barton College, where she guided the Bulldogs to a program-record 81 wins in just three seasons and secured the school’s first-ever NCAA Division II regional ranking. Shock has developed teams known for their competitiveness, discipline, and academic achievement. Her teams have produced three consecutive Conference Tournament Final Four appearances and established multiple program records, including single-season highs in stolen bases, runs, home runs, and strikeouts. She has also coached and recruited multiple All-Conference, All-Region, Academic All-American, and All-Tournament players.

“I'm happy that Coach Shock will be joining our team at Morgan State,” said Freeman-Patton. “She has a successful history of building teams wherever she has been, focusing on player development, academic success, and program growth. We have no doubt that she will bring those same qualities to the National Treasure.”

“I want to thank Vice President and Director of Athletics Dena Freeman-Patton, Associate Athletic Director Richard Epps Jr., and the entire search committee for the opportunity to lead the Morgan State University softball program,” said Shock. “After speaking with AD Freeman-Patton about her vision for athletics, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Morgan is a university on the rise, and I'm eager to help elevate Bear Softball to new heights. This is already a reputable program with a strong foundation, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to build on that success. The future is bright, and I look forward to honoring that tradition while leading the program into an even brighter future.”

Simpkins, a decorated gymnast and seven-time U.S. National Team member, becomes just the second head coach in Morgan’s Acrobatics & Tumbling program history. A former University of Georgia standout and NCATA-certified official, Simpkins has coached and officiated at the highest levels for more than 25 years. With her hire, Simpkins becomes just the second head coach in Morgan’s Acrobatics & Tumbling program history.

“We’re excited to welcome Coach Simpkins to the Morgan family,” said Freeman-Patton. “Agina brings not only the competition experience, but also a background in judging the sport as well, that our young ladies will benefit from immediately. I look forward to the continued growth of our Acrobatics and Tumbling program under her leadership.” 

Beyond her experience in gymnastics, Simpkins also captured two individual national championship titles in USCA Cheerleading. Her competitive career also included seven years as a member of the United States National Team, where she represented the U.S. in international competitions such as USA vs. USSR and USA vs. Mexico.

Simpkins transitioned her competitive excellence into an extensive coaching and officiating career. For the past 18 years, she has had her own gymnastics program, "Imagine Gymnastics. " She has also been a certified NCATA official for the past eight years, judging multiple Conference Carolinas Championships and officiating at the NCATA National Championships. She is also recognized as a coach who prioritizes mental toughness, physical excellence, and academic accountability, developing athletes who succeed in both competition and the classroom.

“It is an incredible honor to join Morgan State University and lead this Acrobatics & Tumbling program,” said Simpkins. “I believe this team has the talent, discipline, and spirit to be among the best in the nation. My goal is not only to prepare our athletes to compete at the highest level, but also to help them grow as leaders beyond the sport. And above all, I want to pack the stands with fans and create an unforgettable home atmosphere for Morgan Athletics.”

Both appointments underscore Morgan’s ongoing commitment to advancing its athletics programs and providing student-athletes with the resources, mentorship, and leadership needed to excel on the field, in competition, and in the classroom.

About Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master’s degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

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Media Contacts:
Larry Jones, or Dell Jackson, for Morgan State University PR
443-885-3022