David IS Goliath

Swingman David Simmons burst onto the scene and quickly has become one of the best TCC Eagle athletes in years. His rise from gritty Midwestern unknown to perennial Florida JUCO star is intriguing, yet not uncommon. Here's a brief look into how it happened. 

By Ariel Bedford

The majority of students who participate in sports at Tallahassee Community College might have been overlooked in the scholastic to collegiate transition. There aren't many athletes who grab the bull by the horns, however, like one David Simmons. Probably pegged as a rotational player with athleticism heading into the 2015-2016 campaign, David quickly emerged as not only one the best players, but also a vocal and emotional spark-plug. His fiery and aggressive play-style helped fuel one of the most impressive and decorated Eagle basketball seasons of recent memory. After losing to Northwest Florida State in the FCSAA Finals, it would have been easy for the Indiana-born, Kentucky bred kid to rest on his laurels. Yet after receiving a scholarship offer from Middle Tennessee State, Simmons has continued to work as the underdog, consistently grinding as if the proverbial chip never left his shoulder. 

While talking with Men's Assistant Coach Steve Cherry just after the Eagles' post-season run commenced in the FCSAA Championships last March, the impact David had on the team as a freshman was apparent, even if it wasn't necessarily expected. 

"When we recruited David, we saw toughness. We saw the grit that he came in with. So that was what we really liked about David… He had a college-ready body [coming to Tallahassee]. He came in with an attitude and chip on his shoulder ready to work and ready to get better. With David, we saw that his skill level needed some improvement. Ball-handling, shooting-you know, that type of thing-because he played inside most of his high school career. So his last year [of high school] he was able to get some time on the perimeter. I think that helped him. But once he got here-through skill development, and in the workouts, he just got better and better. One thing about David is his mentality, his toughness, and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done… That's how he played the [2015-'16) season… The results are first-team all conference, co-freshman of the year, because of the mentality that he came in with. He's gonna continue to get better as a basketball player… But his mentality is what sets him apart from other players." 

It makes sense that Lebron James is his favorite baller, considering David's football-esque desire and hunger on the hardwood. Over various sitdowns with the jovial Simmons, he spoke briefly on his determination to succeed not only as a basketball player, but as a young man coming from humble beginnings. 

Give me a brief bio (Where you were born, where you were raised/where you went to/graduated high school from, etc.)

"I was born in Evansville, Indiana-which is probably 10 to 15 minutes away from where I was raised at. I was raised in Henderson, Kentucky. I graduated from Henderson County High School...I went there all four years. I was in the 1,000 point scoring club, 4th all-time scoring in school history, all-state team, regional player of the year, alot of accomplishments [smiles wryly]..."

Did you play any other sports besides basketball in high school?

What made you decide to come to TCC to play basketball?

"It was alot of different decisions. My home life, making it out of where I was at. I think my family just backed me up and wanted me to get away from where I was at and make it on my own."

Elaborate on your home life. What do you mean specifically?

"Getting out of the area. Not too many people made it out, either sports or business, anything… I was just trying to make something of my life and prove everybody wrong."

Describe your game for someone whose never seen you play?

"The best way to describe my game for someone? I'll just say I'm a dog. I'm a competitor. I hate to lose, and I'm gonna do whatever it takes to win the game." 

David's goals for the summer as an Eagle student-athlete were to pass all of his classes, and to improve on his game each and every day. He also hoped to go undefeated again at the Eagledome and earn First-Team All-Panhandle Conference Honors this season. While unfortunately having an unblemished record at home didn't come to fruition in 2016-'17, many of the other achievements, including getting back to Ocala and becoming player of the year, are there for the taking because of Simmons' growth as a player and leader for TCC Athletics.

David and the Eagles will open the 2017 FCSAA Tournament at 3 p.m., Thursday, March 9 against St. Petersburg College.