Life Lessons Taught by Utah Athletics

A Conversation with Former Softball Player Laurel Simmons

Each year Crimson Club members around the world contribute to the academic, social and athletic experiences of University of Utah student athletes.  As fans, they cheer for their favorite athletes for four (or five) years then wish them well when they graduate.  After graduation, we are left to wonder what becomes of these talented students and how their experience as a Utah student athlete shaped their lives?

The experience of Laurel Simmons, former Utah softball standout, is similar to many former Utah athletes but her arrival on the softball team was unique.  Simmons chose to attend the U after former Utah volleyball coach Norma Carr saw Simmons’ athletic abilities at a state high school volleyball tournament and asked her to pay a visit to the U.  Surprisingly, volleyball wouldn’t play a role in her future, it would be softball that provided the opportunity for her to learn, grow and compete at the U.

Simmons remembers the lumps and bumps of competition, both physically and emotionally. In her early years on the Softball team, she wasn’t on the starting roster but soon managed to make it as a starter but it was a tough and humbling experience. She finally thought, “I’m not going to complain about someone playing over me. It’s not what I’m doing wrong, it’s what she’s doing so right.”  So she worked harder and eventually became a starter.  Quitting was never an option.

After graduating, Simmons started coaching softball at Southern Utah University in Cedar City where she was supplied with a notepad, a pencil and a pile of unopened mail to help her get started. “Had I not had the college athletic experience, I would have quit at SUU the first six weeks.”

Simmons returned to Salt Lake City and now works in real estate.  She remembered hearing that 18 out of 20 agents fail in the real estate business. Instead of throwing in the towel she asked herself what she needed to be successful. Her personal motto has always been to think positive. “If you think you have it bad, roll down the road and check out someone else’s situation.”

The story of Laurel Simmons provides a great look into the experience of Utah student athletes, pas t and present.  Most work extremely hard to represent the University in athletic competition and earn their academic degree.  Most learn life lessons in the field, on the court and in the pool.  Most go on to be successful in their chosen profession from the lessons learned at the U. 

Laurel Simmons, like many Utah student athletes, was provided an opportunity to learn, grow and compete in her sport.  Members of the Crimson Club provided this opportunity when Laurel was in school.  Today, Crimson Club members are providing the same opportunity for many talented student athletes, and we’re happy to say that Laurel Simmons is also a member of the Crimson Club.  Go UTES!