Adam's Athlete Spotlight: Garrett Simmerman

Introduction: Welcome back, as I hope you all are doing well! The following is a first on my blog, as I have decided to write on an athlete that I have had the privilege of getting to know since my sophomore year of high school. Getting to write an article like this is very special to me as a writer, simply because I consider Garrett to be one of the best basketball players I know and, more importantly, a great person and friend. This article will cover anything from some of Garrett's basketball accomplishments to a Q&A. With that being said, I hope you all enjoy reading my article on Garrett as much as I did writing it!

When I first thought of the idea of writing about and interviewing an athlete, the first person I thought of was Garrett Simmerman. Garrett is a 6'9" center who plays for the College of the Ozarks Bobcats. After having a very successful high school career at New Covenant Academy, including being named 3x All-Conference and All-District, Simmerman signed with the Bobcats to continue his basketball career at the college level.

Averaging 7.57 points and nearly a block per game during his freshman season, Simmerman has improved greatly during his sophomore year. One of Garrett's biggest highlights this season came when he recorded a double-double, as he put up 17 points and 11 rebounds on November 9th. Garrett soon followed up his stellar performance when he stuffed the stat sheet once again on January 3rd, when he compiled 12 points and 10 rebounds. Improving in field goal percentage this season while keeping his other statistics at a consistent clip, Simmerman has shown what it takes to be one of the leaders for the C of O men's basketball program whether it be on or off the court.

Garrett has started in 25 regular season games during his sophomore season and is a force down low in the paint, while also being a defensive anchor for the Bobcats. Using his long limbs and tall frame to his advantage, Simmerman is very effective at blocking shots, making him a menace on the defensive side of the floor. Although just in his second year, Garrett projects to stay in the C of O starting lineup for the rest of his college career while he continues to master his craft and improve his game.

Having never written an article like this before on an athlete, I decided to ask Garrett a few questions about his basketball career. Getting a player's perspective is something that has always interested me, as it also gives the person a deeper and more inside look at what the specific athlete is thinking and goes through. The following is the aforementioned Q&A:

Q: What draws you to basketball?

GS: I love the competition and going out and putting all my effort into the game.

Q: What motivates you?

GS: Improving every day is my biggest motivation. I love the feeling like I have grown as a player.

Q: What is the biggest accomplishment of your career?

GS: My biggest accomplishment was making All-District and Conference 3x over my career.

Q: What is your favorite part of the game?

GS: My favorite part of the game is growing relationships with my teammates. I have made many lifelong friendships with people I played with.

Q: Do you have a Pre-Game routine?

GS: I don't have a Pre-Game Routine.

Q: What is your biggest skill or strength to your game?

GS: My biggest skill and strength is my ability to guard in the paint. I love it when I am in the game and I can tell the offense is playing differently in order to stay away from me.

Q: Do you plan on playing long-term?

GS: I plan on playing recreational basketball until I am unable to play anymore.

Author's Note: Garrett, thank you so much for letting me have the opportunity to write about you and your basketball career! Personally, I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to write this piece, as you have no idea how much writing about you means to me! This article will always be one of my favorites that I have ever written and published. Keep up the amazing work, I know you will do great!

-Adam

Final Thoughts: I hope you all have enjoyed reading my article on Garrett and his basketball career. Feel free to share this article with others, as I would love for everyone to read about one of the most talented athletes around!!!

See you on the Hardwood!!!

Adam