Simmons signs with LBW
Published 12:00 am Thursday, June 12, 2008
DEMOPOLIS &8212; Local three-sport star Jasmine Simmons formally cemented her immediate college plans Thursday, agreeing to a scholarship that will allow her to play softball for Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia.
Simmons, a standout basketball and volleyball at Demopolis High School, opted to continue playing the sport about which she says she is most passionate, softball.
Simmons opted for LBW after receiving a strong push from NCAA Division I program Alabama State University. According to those close to her, the decision was one that will allow her to continue pursuing her ultimate goal of playing the sport for the University of Alabama.
LBW head coach Tommy McDaniel echoed Browder&8217;s sentiment.
However, Simmons&8217; designs on playing at an even higher level are not limited to potential upperclassman years at the Capstone. With those goals in view, she appears to have an understanding of what achieving them requires.
In order to achieve those long-term goals Simmons, and those around her, understand the task that lies ahead.
With her future goals explicitly set, Jasmine now turns her attention to getting the most out of her time at LBW, where she will likely be given the opportunity to show her salt at multiple positions.
McDaniel, who reported being impressed with Jasmine&8217;s speed and arm strength, is optimistic he and his coaching staff will have her prepared for the spring season.
One of the advantages Jasmine will have as she moves forward with her softball career is the new-found ability to focus on only one sport, a luxury which she expects to benefit her on her climb up the collegiate ranks.
Simmons, who is the third softball player from Demopolis&8217; 2008 class to sign an athletic scholarship, stole a total of 56 bases during her last two campaigns in addition to earning the team&8217;s Defensive Most Valuable Player Award as and being named The Demopolis Times&8217; Athlete of the Year.