Cindi Simmons was a proud mother when Jackson Simmons signed to play college basketball for North Carolina five years ago.
Smoky Mountain’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder in boys basketball had a tough act to follow for four years.
Thanks a lot, mom.
Former Mustangs standout Jackson Simmons and his mother, Cindi, will be inducted into the Jackson County athletic hall of fame June 5 at Cherokee’s Chestnut Tree Inn.
Jackson Simmons graduated from Smoky Mountain in 2011 with 1,916 career points and his Western North Carolina record for all-time rebounds (1,554) still stands. He continued his playing career at the University of North Carolina and is now an assistant coach at Charlotte.
Cindi Simmons needs no introduction to anyone in Jackson County or WNC sports.
She retired from coaching in 2013 but has stayed involved as Jackson’s county-wide athletic director.
Simmons won NCHSAA championships in two sports. Her volleyball teams enjoyed a three-peat from 1991 to 1993 and a 2007 championship in 2-A by the Mustangs remains the last boys our girls public-school state championship in basketball won by a mountain team.
Cindi Simmons amassed 514 career wins in basketball and 383 in volleyball.
“It is a great honor to be recognized by my home county where I have lived for over 30-plus years to to join those already inducted,” Cindi Simmons said.
“It’s very special going in with my son. Coach Babe Howell, a mentor of mine, was the founder of the Jackson County hall of fame. He had a tremendous impact and influence on me as a coach.”
Tickets for the hall of fame banquet are $25 apiece and may be purchased at the Sylva Insurance Agency or by calling (828) 586-2512.
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