Soccer to honor Kayleigh Simmons on Senior Night

Friday marks the final home game for senior Kayleigh Simmons. As the lone senior on the club, Simmons has provided needed stability for a very young team. She also played a key role on the soccer team’s lone win this season, as she scored both goals in the win over Wesleyan (Ga.). Here is a Q&A where Simmons talks about her time at Peace and what’s ahead.

Why did you choose Peace College?

I chose Peace College because I wanted to be in a small environment where I wouldn’t find myself overwhelmed. I also originally came to Peace to play soccer and ended up not playing my first two years.

Why was that and what caused you to change your mind?

I didn’t play soccer my first two years at Peace because I was unsure I could manage my time wisely and be an athlete at the same time. I changed my mind when I began to miss the game very quickly, and Sabre Jessup (who I played with) chose to play so I promised her I would give it a shot because I had nothing to lose.

What's it like to play for a team that has not won many games - is it hard to stay motivated/focused?

Last year it was a little difficult for me to play for a team that didn’t experience many wins and it was frustrating at times because my high school team was usually number one or two in our conference. However, everyone of us on this team has fun and enjoy playing soccer so whether we’re winning or losing, I love this game and do not mind what the results are at the end of the season.

What are your emotions as Senior Day approaches?  Anything you look forward to or dread?

My emotions are running crazy actually. I am very sad to leave the girls on my team behind because I have made some great lasting friendships with everyone these past two years. But at the same time I am happy to move on with my life and to see what my future holds. I am also excited to see where these girls go over the next few years, as a team and as individuals.

What's your favorite athletic moment in college?

I have so many memories with this team but I had to name one it would be scoring my first two goals of my college career, this year against Georgia Wesleyan.

What's your favorite off-field moment at Peace?

I have so many off-field moments with these girls but the ones I will remember most are the fun times we have on the bus and on away trips, from pranks calls & laughter, to heart-to-hearts and tears.

What person had the biggest impact on you during your time at the college?

The one person who has had the greatest impact on my college experience would have to be Kathy Corley (who retired last semester). Mrs. Corley was a great role model throughout my career at Peace and showed me how to be a successful woman in the workforce. She also provided me with great opportunities that I will never forget like going to Italy and to Las Vegas.

What did you think when you heard the school was going co-ed?

Honestly, in the beginning I was very upset and heartbroken because I came to Peace College for the small campus and the sisterhood. But over time I’ve come to accept it and I know it is in our school’s best interest to become co-ed.

What current issue do you feel most strongly about and why?

The current event I feel most strongly about is Occupy Wall Street, since I am graduating with a business major. I can understand why so many of America’s citizens are angry about the situation in which our economy is facing. However, at the same time I don’t think it is anything that can be fixed overnight; it’s going to take time. Hopefully over the next few years our economy can bounce back and get out of this slump we are experiencing.

If you could sit down and have dinner with any three people - alive or deceased - who would they be and why?

I would most definitely have dinner with my grandmother Faye who passed away of lung cancer at 38 when my mother was a young girl. I would like to talk to her about anything possible since I was never given the opportunity to meet her, and because I’ve been told she was one of the sweetest women that walked this Earth.

Next I would have dinner with someone who was very successful in the Healthcare Administration field so I could speak to them about how to be successful in that career and what things I could do to better prepare myself for a career in that field.

Lastly, I would have dinner with my grandma Elsie who is also deceased. I would talk to her about my life, things that have happened since she’s been gone, and where I plan to go in life. I would want her to be exactly the person she was when she left us, which was very outspoken to say the least, and make me laugh. I would make sure she knew just how much I loved her and how much I miss her every day.

What does the future hold for Peace soccer?

I think that Peace soccer in the future will grow to be a strong team that I am proud to say that I was once a part of. The soccer program has so much room for growth and I truly believe that with hard work and dedication from everyone, this program can be successful.

What will you do after you graduate?

When I graduate I plan to attend graduate school for Health Administration, but I am unsure at the moment what school I will attend.

*****

Here are some final thoughts from Kayleigh:

NOTE to team: I will miss each one of you greatly. Work hard, stay together, and stay positive for me. I can’t wait to see you girls grow and be successful on and off the field.

Coaches: Thanks for sticking with us and working hard to better our team. I know you guys will miss your little comedian but I’ll be back from time to time, don’t you worry!

Melissa, AT, and Sabre: “Don’t forget to reach for the stars because stars don’t have arms to reach for you.” I love yall!

*****

Best of luck to Kayleigh!  Please come out to Koka Booth Stadium Friday night at 6:00 PM when Peace takes on city-rival Meredith. This is your last chance to see her play for the Pacers and the last time this year that the soccer team will be in action.