Wayne Simien
Bio
Timeline
1983-2001
Born and raised in Leavenworth, KS to Wayne Sr. & Margaret Simien who were both long time factory workers at Hallmark Cards. This blue collar environment was an important foundation for hard work, respect, teamwork and discipline. He quickly excelled at basketball at was apart of a 6A State Championship team and became a McDonald's High School All-American.
2001-2009
As a student-athlete at the University of Kansas he graduated with a degree in sociology in 2005. Along the way he was coached by Hall of Fame coaches Roy Williams and Bill Self, played in two Final Fours, won three Big 12 Championships and was named Big 12 Player of the Year as well as First Team Consensus All-American. His name and jersey number are honored by hanging in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse. The most transformative part of his college experience was becoming a Christian in 2003. Shortly after, he would become a first round NBA draft pick of the Miami Heat and NBA World Champion under another Hall of Fam Coach, Pat Riley. He would finish his professional playing career in Spain.
2009-2021
For the next 13 years Wayne would serve as a Christian campus minister at KU and campuses across the Midwest. A passion grew for mentorship, preaching and speaking at colleges, conferences, churches, businesses, athletic programs as well as leading mission trips.
Currently, Wayne lives in Lawrence, KS where he works as an Associate Athletics Director of Engagement at KU. There he serves on the executive staff, aids in team and staff leadership development, fundraises and serves former letter-winners through K-Club. He and his wife Katie have been married for 16 years and they have 5 children. He continues to actively preach the Gospel and is an elder at Morning Star Church. Some of his favorite hobbies include coaching his kids, fishing, hunting and golf.