You’ve heard the name. If you’ve spent any time listening to The Bill Simmons Podcast over the last decade, you’ve basically watched Zoe Simmons grow up in real-time. One minute she’s a grade-schooler Bill is taking to L.A. Kings games, and the next, she’s a college athlete at Emerson College dropping "Teen Culture Awards" like a seasoned pro.
But honestly, who is Bill Simmons’ daughter beyond the 2:00 AM "Parent Corner" stories?
It’s easy to dismiss any child of a media mogul as just another "nepo baby," but Zoe has carved out a very specific, very public niche that feels surprisingly authentic. She isn’t just a guest; she’s effectively the Ringer’s unofficial consultant on everything from TikTok trends to why Gen Z is obsessed with The OC twenty years late.
The Emerson College Chapter and Soccer Stardom
Zoe Simmons isn’t just sitting in a podcast studio in Los Angeles anymore. As of 2026, she is firmly entrenched in the Boston media scene, following somewhat in her father’s footsteps by attending Emerson College.
It’s a fitting choice. Emerson is a powerhouse for communications and media—the kind of place where future producers and writers sharpen their teeth. But Zoe isn't just there for the degree. She’s a legitimate athlete.
Breaking Down the Stats
Zoe is a Forward for the Emerson Lions women’s soccer team. Standing at 5'9", she’s been a consistent presence on the pitch throughout her college career. In late 2025, she was still making headlines in the NEWMAC conference, even scoring a crucial goal in a 2-1 regular-season finale win against Babson College.
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- Position: Forward
- Jersey Number: 7
- Hometown: Los Angeles (Crossroads School alum)
- Major: Communication Studies
Watching her dad—a man who built an empire on sports takes—talk about her soccer games has become a staple of the pod. It’s one of the few times Bill Simmons sounds less like a "Sports Guy" and more like a nervous "Soccer Dad."
Why Zoe Simmons Actually Matters to The Ringer
Most people know Zoe through the "Teen Patrol" segments. These started years ago as a way for Bill to understand why his daughter was suddenly obsessed with Euphoria or why Facebook was "for old people."
What started as a bit evolved into a legitimate content pillar.
Zoe has appeared on over 15 episodes of The Bill Simmons Podcast. She’s handled everything from "The 2024 Teen Culture Awards" to deep dives into the return of Stranger Things. She brings a perspective that Bill simply can't fake. When they discuss the "Future of TV," Zoe isn't quoting Nielsen ratings; she’s explaining how her friends actually consume media on their phones.
The "Nepo Baby" Debate
Let’s be real. There’s always going to be talk about nepotism when your dad owns the company. However, the "Ringer" community generally treats Zoe with a level of fondness you don't see with other celebrity kids.
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Why? Because she’s actually good on the mic. She has the Simmons "gene" for quick-witted, slightly hyperbolic takes, but she applies them to things like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour or the social etiquette of Instagram "dumps." She’s not just a passenger; she’s an active participant in the family business of having opinions.
Growing Up in the Public Eye
Born in May 2005, Zoe is the eldest child of Bill and Kari Simmons. Her younger brother, Ben (often referred to as "Melon" in the early days), also makes appearances, usually to talk about WWE or gaming.
But Zoe’s trajectory feels different.
She grew up in the shadow of the ESPN "Grantland" era and the subsequent birth of The Ringer. This means her "normal" was seeing some of the biggest names in sports and media in her living room. Despite that, she’s managed to maintain a relatively grounded persona. You don't see her chasing influencer fame in the traditional "Hype House" sense. Instead, she’s focused on her studies and her sport.
A Common Misconception
If you search for "Zoe Simmons" online, you might run into an Australian journalist and disability advocate with the same name. It’s a common mix-up. While the Australian Zoe is an incredible storyteller in her own right, she is not related to the "Sports Guy." The American Zoe Simmons is currently a student-athlete in Boston, likely looking at a future in the media industry if her podcast appearances are any indication.
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What’s Next for Zoe?
As she approaches the end of her time at Emerson, the big question is whether she’ll join The Ringer full-time.
She’s already proven she can hold her own against veterans like Joe House or Chris Ryan. Whether she decides to go the "on-air talent" route or stay behind the scenes in production, she’s already built a "mini-brand" that most communications students would kill for.
Actionable Insights for Following Zoe’s Journey:
- Listen to the Archives: To see her evolution, check out the "Teen Patrol" episodes from 2019 versus her 2025 appearances. The shift from "kid guest" to "media peer" is fascinating.
- Follow the Lions: If you’re a sports nerd, you can track her stats on the Emerson Lions official athletics website.
- Watch the Ringer 107: She often pops up during the "Million Dollar Picks" segments or holiday specials to give the "Gen Z" take on the week's events.
Zoe Simmons is more than just a famous daughter. She’s a D3 athlete, a communications student, and one of the few people who can actually make Bill Simmons admit he’s wrong about something. That alone makes her worth watching.