Q & A With Jimmy Simpson

Story Links

Fresh off its ACC-opening victory over NC State, the Virginia men’s soccer team heads to in-state rival Virginia Tech for a Friday night match. Start time at Thompson Field in Blacksburg, Va., is 7 p.m. Redshirt freshman forward Jimmy Simpson recently checked in with VirginiaSports.com to preview the rivalry.

Question: How did it feel to score your first career goal a few weeks ago?
Simpson: It was amazing and indescribable. Especially since it was the goal that tied up the game and sent us into overtime [at George Mason on Sept. 5].

Question: Last season you sat out with an injury and took a medical redshirt. What has it been like this year to come back and see significant action on the field?
Simpson: It’s a great feeling. This time last year was when I tore my ACL and meniscus. I set a goal for myself before surgery that I would get back into full shape and get minutes in games by this time next year. I went though a lot of rehab and it was very tough mentally to get back to feeling the same as before the surgery. It’s mostly a feeling of accomplishment to overcome that. It is a privilege every time I step out onto the field.

Question: With so many newcomers to the team (nine first-years and three transfers), how do you think team chemistry has been?
Simpson: We have really come together as a team on and off the field. Our chemistry has only gotten better and better too. We all love hanging out as a team together.

Question: What can you tell us about the team’s preparation for Virginia Tech?
Simpson: It is our opening road ACC match so we are very motivated to get a win. All we have to do now is get out on the pitch and execute.

Question: The team has won three straight games at home. How does the atmosphere at Klckner Stadium help the squad?
Simpson: In my opinion, Klckner is the best college stadium in the country. We have the greatest fans at UVa and there is a capacity of 8,000 so having them at our back really helps.

Question: Being a Virginia native (Warrenton, Va.), did you always know you wanted to come to UVa? Why did you choose Virginia?
Simpson: Virginia is one of the top public schools in the country so that was one of the main reasons. It was really always a dream of mine to come play soccer here too. When I was 10 years old, my family and I came and visited for a day and I wanted to come and play here ever since then.

Question: What is your major? Your favorite class? Any career plans yet?
Simpson: I’m declaring my major in the spring, but it is going to be anthropology. My favorite class so far in college has been Beaches, Coasts and Rivers. I’m not sure what I’m going to do after school, but I know that I want to travel out west for awhile.

Question: What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
Simpson: Just hanging out. Playing some Call of Duty 4 is also one of my favorite things to do.

Question: What is one word to describe your team?
Simpson: Excellence.

Question: Who is one player that you think will have a breakout season this year?
Simpson: Tony Tchani.

Question: What is the best part about playing soccer at Virginia?
Simpson: Representing my school doing what I love.