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St. Francis High School senior commits to women’s collegiate soccer squad
Wheaton, IL – 21 February 2008 – Four years of varsity play on the soccer field at St. Francis High School has been a warm-up for Crossley Simmons. The Winfield native, who captained her team this season and was named the 2007 St. Francis MVP for girls soccer, has accepted a scholarship from Stetson University in Deland, FL.
The aggressive midfielder will trade her Spartan blue for Hatter green when she joins the Stetson squad next fall. Simmons competed on the IHSSCA (Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association) All-Sectional Team in 2007 and 2006; on the All-Conference Team in 2007 and 2006; and was named Academic All Conference in 2006 and 2007. More recently she was recognized for the 2007 Daily Herald All Area Team.
"Crossley Simmons is one of the finest soccer players in St. Francis history. Her skill, determination, work ethic and leadership have led the Spartans for the past two years. She is looking forward to an outstanding season in 2008 and the subsequent challenges of a collegiate career," said Tim Dailey, St Francis soccer coach.
The young athlete originally dreamed of becoming a great basketball player, but laughs when she says that her parents signed her up for soccer to help use more energy. Ten years later, she is going strong. “I love the teamwork, intense and constant motion of the game and the physical aspects of pushing myself to the limits and competing with other girls,” she said. Aside from four years of St. Francis varsity soccer, Simmons plays club soccer with the Strikers of St. Charles.
Simmons lives her advice to other students: “Never waste one minute!” She has been honored as an Illinois State Scholar and is an AP scholar at St. Francis. She also serves as a weekly tutor at Marian Park. Simmons commented, “I make time for Marian Park because I have had so many great opportunities in life and I want these brilliant kids to have the resources to help them reach their dreams and full potential.”
Simmons credits the attentive atmosphere of St. Francis High School for helping her become a well-rounded person. Calling it an amazing experience, she said, “Balance is necessary to a healthy life and that is exactly what St. Francis promotes.”
Asked about her post-college soccer plans, Simmons reflected, “I would like to continue, but am not sure how yet. But the thing about soccer is that you learn so much from the game. You learn how to work and communicate well with others, you take responsibility for mistakes and push yourself to be the best both mentally and physically.”
