ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' associate vice president of athletics
Dr. John Neese has announced several new additions to the athletic department staff for the 2025-26 school year.
Veteran assistant athletic trainer Shelbi Stevens has been named the interim director of Athletic Training. Abigail Nemec was also added as an assistant athletic trainer. She comes to HSU from Oklahoma State.
Emily Watson has been named the assistant men's and women's golf coach and compliance director. She comes to HSU from East Texas Baptist, where she was a standout player and was most recently working at Blackhawk Golf Club in Pflugerville. She replaces Jordan Burchette, who is now the assistant coach at Abilene Christian.
Aubrianna Salazar has moved from graduate assistant to full-time assistant in the softball program. She played for the Cowgirls and replaces Shelby Elkins, who is now the head coach at Abilene Wylie High School.
Austin Vaught has been added as a part-time assistant in the baseball program. This is a new position. He comes to HSU from Regis University.
Parris Parmer has been hired as an assistant women's basketball coach. She will also work in the University Events department on campus.
The football program also announced some staff changes in the summer. Former All-American Jake Freeman replaced Thomas Niles as the defensive line coach. Niles is now coaching in high school. Gaylon Glynn has moved from an operations role to add the running backs in a more full-time role, replacing Cade Bell. Jaxson Money replaced Matt Fanning as the tight ends coach and assistant strength and conditioning. Fanning and Bell went to Alvord High School.
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