Rockledge's Kaira Simmons Selects Ole Miss

Todd Grasley


The regular signing period for future college athletes began on April 13th and several Florida track and field standouts wasted no time announcing their plans. Rockledge sprinter/jumper Kaira Simmons recently signed with Ole Miss. We caught up with Simmons to learn more about her and her decision to join the Rebels.

Flrunners.com: How did you get started in track and field?

Kaira Simmons: Coach Freddie (Goins) was my AAU coach.Since he was also the high school coach it was kind of like I had no other choice.

FLR: Do you remember your first meet?

KS: My first meet was my first reality check. Coming out of middle school being the fastest, I thought I was going to win, and I ended up getting left by everybody! I was ready to quit.

FLR: From being ready to quit at the start, to several trips to state, and currently the top mark in the state in the long jump (19'5.5"), what has the journey been like for you?

KS: It has definitely been a long road. Freshman year I took track as a joke because I was so committed to cheerleading. Thankfully my sophomore year my teammate Danielle Phillips, now at LSU, was the reason I started to get serious about track. She'd always push me and got me out my comfort zone. So once she graduated I had no choice but to step up and that's when my coaches and I realized a big change in my attitude towards track.

FLR: As a senior you just finished going through the recruiting process. How was that for you?

KS: The recruiting process was definitely fun! I got to meet a lot of cool people from my visits.

FLR: Where all did you visit/consider?

KS: I only went on two visits, but I had other offers from USF, JU, and literally the day I verbally committed, University of Texas emailed my coach asking about me, but I honestly knew in the back of my head Ole Miss was where I wanted to go.

FLR: What factors sold you on Ole Miss?

KS: I'd definitely say the visit it's self definitely is what confirmed everything for me. I already had an interest in the school so after going on the visit and meeting the team I knew that it would be a great school for me. Plus Coach Scott was definitely a huge impact on my decision. He just made me feel like ole miss was truly going to be home for me.

FLR: You've competed in all the sprints and jump events over your four years in high school. What specific events do you plan on doing at the next level?

KS: My plans when it comes to competing at Ole Miss are definitely to long jump and hopefully to run the 200. Honestly I wouldn't mind doing the other events I competed in in high school either. 

FLR: Your Teammate Kylee Cobbs-Marcus is also signing this week to Florida Tech. What does that say about the program?

KS: Kylee signs this Sunday, but to see her sign as well is great. It just shows how well our track program is and that Rockledge is the place to be for track.

FLR: Did you ever envision all of the success and signing a college scholarship for track and field?

KS: Growing up track was far from my mind. For years my parents would try to bring me out for track and I was not having it. It didn't really hit me till Junior year that being able to compete in college was a possibility for me. So I'm definitely thankful and blessed to have this opportunity.

Personal Records

  • 100m - 12.12
  • 200m - 24.51
  • 400m - 59.17
  • High Jump - 5-2
  • Long Jump - 19-5.5
  • Triple Jump - 37-9

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