BRIDGEPORT – A former member of the Bridgeport volleyball team will lead the Bulldogs next fall.

Bridgeport High School Activities Director Dave Kuhlen announced Grace Simmons as the next head coach on Thursday.

“She has coaching in her bloodlines,” Kuhlen said. “She’s the daughter of longtime Bridgeport football coach Glenn Kraay.”

Simmons was a setter for Bridgeport’s volleyball team and played at the University of Rochester in New York from 2001-2005. While at Rochester, she played as the team’s libero and defensive specialist which led her to hold the second highest record for digs per set and third highest digs per season in the university’s history.

Simmons is Senior Managing Director at Teach For America. She co-leads the local chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a Teammates Mentor.

Her husband, James, is the Bridgeport Elementary Principal. Together they have four children: Benjamin, Olivia, Pearl, and Otis.

During her free time, Simmons likes to coach youth sports, travel and spend time outdoors.