This week, Mr. Gerald Hector welcomes, CEO of Own Touch Soccer Academy, Mr. Gregory Simmonds. This episode airs Wednesday evening at 8pm ET on HBCUiRadio ( bit.ly/HBCUiRadio) and HBCU Smart TV ( available on ROKU, Amazon FireTV and HBCUSmartTV.com/watch-live)
Before turning professional, Gregory Simmonds was his high school’s (Sherwood High School, Olney, Maryland) first ever All-American athlete. He also still holds the record for goals scored at his alma mater, Howard University. Simmonds began his professional soccer career with the Hershey Wildcats where he scored 35 goals, had 16 assists and was named USL-1 Rookie of the Year in 1999 and Team MVP in 2000. Simmonds also played for D.C. United in the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 1999.
Simmonds also boasts international experience, having played with the Jamaican National Team youth and senior teams (Reggae Boyz) in 1999. Signed by the Miami Fusion in 2001, he tallied 4 goals and 2 assists in league and Open Cup matches. After the Fusion folded in 2001, he signed with Rochester Rhinos in 2002 where he led the team with 9 goals and 6 assists. In 2003, he played in 27 games with the Richmond Kickers. Simmonds played for USL First Division team Charleston Battery for the 2004 and 2005 seasons and was the team’s leading scorer both years with 18 goals and 9 assists. In 2006 joined Virginia Beach Mariners where he was team MVP after leading the team with 9 goals and 5 assist and being named to the league’s ALL STAR TEAM. Simmonds finished his professional career with 75 goals and 37 assists, last playing for the Puerto Rico Islanders. President and Owner of Own Touch Soccer and FutsalRVA. Own Touch Soccer is the only membership-based indoor training program and academy dedicated to the individual performance of youth soccer players. The Own Touch Mentorship Program is club-neutral, and provides youth mentees unlimited access to training and the most advanced training curriculum available. FutsalRVA boasts one of the largest youth futsal leagues and futsal academies in the country. Youth train year-round to develop their skills and participate in tournaments, festivals, in house games and leagues. Past and current Own Touch & FutsalRVA have achieved amazing success securing D1 collegiate scholarships as well as spots on Major League Soccer, United States National Team and international teams. Greg Simmonds President & Co-Founder Own Touch & FutsalRVA Phone: (804)839-2636 Email: gsimmonds@mysportsunited.com www.owntouchsoccer.com www.futsalrva.com "Good players practice till' they get it right...great players practice till' they never get it wrong"
HBCUiRadio (bit.ly/HBCUiRadio) and HBCU Smart TV ( Amazon Fire TV, Roku and HBCUSmartTV.com/watch-live) on Wednesday evenings at 8pm ET & #SmartSundays at 3pm ET.