Alex Simmons does not subscribe to the notion that all press is good press.

But the Memphis women’s basketball coach, who won two national titles and went to four Final Fours with the Tennessee Lady Vols, does not take exception to anything she’s seen so far.

The sport’s mainstream appeal has skyrocketed thanks to the star power of Catilin Clark, Angel Reese and others – evidenced by record-setting TV ratings, dramatically increased attendance and merchandise sales (up 756% year-over-year at WNBAstore.com just one month into the season). But so too has the media coverage. More is being written and recorded − even if it can lead to some uncomfortable or, even, cringey moments.

Bring it on, says Simmons.

“Women’s basketball has gone from the subtitle to the main headline,” she said. “We’ve always existed. Now, there’s just people actually paying attention to it. We’re talking about women’s basketball every day the same way we’re talking about the playoffs or who’s going in the NBA Draft.”

Simmons has a somewhat unique perspective on the booming popularity. The attention on Lady Vols basketball during her playing career was unrivaled. Under legendary coach Pat Summitt, Tennessee drew an average of 14,820 fans to its home games during Simmons’ four seasons (2004-08) in Knoxville.

In the years that followed, programs like Baylor and UConn carried the torch. But, if recent history is any indicator, there is room for more than just one or two headliners. Last season, Iowa’s average home attendance was 14,913. South Carolina (the defending national champs) registered 16,067 fans per home game. LSU drew 11,628. UConn, Indiana and Iowa State also eclipsed the 10,000-fan mark in 2023-24.

Why? Simmons − whose team was 13-17 (9-9 AAC) last season − believes there are a variety of reasons, including the evolution of the game and the players themselves.

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“I came in with Candace (Parker) and I feel like (the 2004 signing) class was the first one to really step outside their comfort zone and challenge what everybody else thought women’s basketball should look like,” said Simmons, who is entering her second season as coach at Memphis. “We really felt empowered to show our personalities and be ourselves. What our hair looked like. All the stuff with fashion. We really dove headfirst into that before it was something everyone was doing.

“This last class that just graduated from college, they’ve probably gotten women’s basketball as a whole to turn the corner. You see Angel and Caitlin and (LSU’s) Flau’jae (Johnson) showing even more personality. Being more outspoken and open-minded.”

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Alex Simmons says 2004 class set stage for Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese