Q & A With Jimmy Simpson

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Junior midfielder Jimmy Simpson (Warrenton, Va.) recently checked in with VirginiaSports.com to talk about UVa’s 2010 campaign. The second-ranked Cavaliers host Wake Forest Saturday at 7 p.m. at Klöckner Stadium. Simpson has scored a team-high three goals so far this season.

Question: Your team was honored at the White House earlier this week – what was that experience like?
Simpson: It was unbelievable. It was the opportunity of a lifetime. Coming out of that, it was so special. Honestly, it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done in my life. It was an honor meeting President Barack Obama and shaking his hand. We were all very excited about it.

Question: What do you need to do to prepare for your upcoming ACC contest vs. Wake Forest? Simpson: I think the first step now is to recover from the Marist game while still recovering from our match at Duke. Coach Gelnovatch will have the scouting report and we’ll break it down from the back to the front. We’ll be ready for them so we are excited for it.

Question: What do you think your team’s strengths and weaknesses have been through the first four games?
Simpson: Our biggest strength is probably getting around the ball. We have been scoring a lot of goals. I think we need to work on not giving up any goals. I think last year we only gave up one goal at the most in a single game so we need to work on that and stay focused. I think we will be good going forward from there.

Question: You scored against both Duke and Marist – talk about your offensive output.
Simpson: It’s Ari [Dimas]. It’s guys on the outside whipping balls in. I just get in the box and they place perfect balls in there. Its been working very well for us when we cross the ball in.

Question: What is the best part about soccer at Virginia?
Simpson: The atmosphere here – it’s a blast! The facilities here are unbelievable. The fan base is outrageous. They’re awesome. Every game they come out and support us. The venue is unbelievable, the field is awesome, everything is set up for us so we just go out and play as hard as we can.

Question: What are your favorite and least favorite parts of practice?
Simpson: I think my least favorite would have to be the fitness and my favorite would be 5-v-2. We go five versus two – it’s a blast.

Question: Who is your favorite student-athlete at UVa?
Simpson: Ari Dimas.

Question: What is your favorite pregame meal?
Simpson: The typical spaghetti and chicken with some salad on the side – carbing up.

Question: What does it take to put together an unbeaten streak of 20 games, as the team has done since last season’s run to the NCAA Championship?
Simpson: I think it’s just every game coming in with the mentality not to lose. Everybody works together. We get there in the huddle before the game and we just give nothing and take everything. That’s been our motto for the whole last year and it has carried into this year.

Question: What is your favorite Coach Gelnovatch quote?
Simpson: “Grind it out.”