ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

ATHLETICS 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2008
 

TECH NAMES WHITNEY SIMMONS AS ITS FEMALE STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas – Arkansas Tech has named Golden Suns tennis player Whitney Simmons (Pottsville, Ark.) as this week's Female Student-Athlete of the Week. Simmons is coming off a successful weekend in Alabama for the Golden Suns as she posted a win at No. 6 singles against West Alabama and a win at No. 5 singles against Stillman College and also teamed with junior Kristen Brown (Winona, Texas) to go 1-1 in doubles action.  On the season, Simmons has helped Tech get off to a 4-2 start and has a combined record of 12-5 overall, including being 7-2 in singles play and is 5-3 in doubles action.  Simmons is a two-time Second-Team All-GSC West Division selection. 

The following is a question and answer segment to help get to know this successful Tech student-athlete:

Why did you ultimately choose to come to Tech?
Whitney Simmons: My older sister came to Tech and I also had more scholarship opportunities here.
 

Outside of athletics, what is your favorite thing about college life?
WS: I love meeting new people and being independent.

What is your favorite type of music/group?
WS: I like most types of music. My favorite groups are Train, Rob Thomas, Martina McBride and Daughtry.

What do you consider to be your hobby?
WS: I LOVE interior decorating and doing anything outdoors. Sleeping is also up there on the list.

What sport other than tennis do you like to watch or would you like to play the most?
WS: Basketball and ping pong. I am a very good ping pong player.

Who is one person that has had the biggest impact on your life?
WS: My family has had the biggest impact on my life. They have always been very supportive and I appreciate everything they do for me.

What is your most memorable moment as a Tech athlete?
WS: My most memorable moment as a Tech student-athlete has probably been being honored twice as an All-GSC selection.

What would you do on your dream vacation?
WS: I would probably go to the beach on my dream vacation. Actually, I would go anywhere, I'm not that picky.

What is your major at Tech?
WS: Health and Physical Education

What do you plan to do after graduation?
WS: I would like to get into coaching and teaching. I would like to coach tennis and basketball.

Do you have a pet?
WS: I have the cutest cat! His name is Adolf.

How many times a day do you find yourself checking Facebook?
WS: Well, not so often now, but I used to be addicted. I would probably say once a day.

What's been the most rewarding class you have had while being at Tech?
WS: I have enjoyed most of my classes at Tech. The most rewarding classes have probably been the Health & PE classes I have to take in my major. I love the nutrition class I'm taking this semester.

What are your goals for this season?
WS: My goals for this season are to make it to both the conference and regional tournaments and to have a winning season.

                  Previous Tech Female Student-Athlete of the Week Winners

Feb. 25 - sophomore pitcher Casey Hammons (Softball)
Feb. 20 -
junior forward Amanda Grappe (Women's Basketball)
Feb. 12 - senior pitcher Dana Aldrich (Softball)
Feb. 5 -
senior forward Krishna Baker (Women's Basketball)