Written by Krista Evans
The Simmons Sharks athletic program circles intense seasons of basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, tennis, swimming and diving, field hockey, crew, and lacrosse. Many players hold spots on multiple teams while still balancing their academics. The idea that student athletes are students first is highly stressed. Unfortunately, while the teams have been successful in their divisions, there is still little attendance at games, although Simmons teams are slowly beginning to get more recognition. The College belongs to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC), and is affiliated with the Massachusetts Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (MAIAW). Though competing in Division III, the Simmons Sharks play hard, which is slowly helping them become more well-known.
In order to maintain student health, the College offers the Lifelong Exercise and Activities Program (LEAP), which offers classes for students without the stress of competition, while still encouraging an active lifestyle. For a small fee, undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty can register for ballet, yoga, spinning, or core-conditioning classes. Also, as part of the Colleges of the Fenway Consortium, Simmons offers intercollegiate intramural sports. This partnership offers a chance to meet students from Wentworth, Wheelock, Emmanuel, and the School of Museum of Fine Arts. Oh, and do not be surprised if you see Wentworth or Harvard Medical School boys working out in the weight room, running around the track, or playing a pickup game of basketball. They also have access to the Simmons gym, and the girls do not seem to mind—at all.