Kionna Simon is an incoming Junior at Oklahoma State University. We ask her a few questions about her soccer journey, career aspirations, and why she’s UP NEXT.
2C: Where are you from? When did you start playing [soccer]?
KS: I am from Denton Texas, and I started playing soccer when I was four years old.
2C: When did you fall in love with the game?
KS: I fell in love with the game at an early age. My parents and my grandfather were a huge part of my foundation from the very beginning. Soccer has always been something that brought my family together. As I got older and began playing club soccer, I was able to travel the country and meet new people from all different backgrounds, which is something I wouldn’t have been able to do without it, and that became something that caused that love to grow. I guess you could say I fell in love with soccer from the moment I touched the ball.
2C: Who were/are some of your favorite players growing up?
KS: Some of my favorite players growing up are/were Crystal Dunn and Julie Ertz as well as Mo Salah.
2C: What grade are you in? What are you studying?
KS: I am finishing my Sophomore year and I am studying Sports Management and Minoring in Marketing.
2C: Why Oklahoma State?
KS: I chose OSU because of the environment. When I came on my unofficial visit the connection I felt with the coaching staff was something that really struck me and it was an important factor in the decision I made. The campus and athletic facilities were amazing as well.
2C: What’s your position? Do you have a favorite?
KS: I currently play center back. I don’t know if I can say I have ONE favorite position, because I love to be involved on both sides of the ball. I really enjoy playing forward because of the ability to play more freely and to be more creative, but I also enjoy playing defense because of the rush I get when being able to defend and stop opportunities of the opposing teams.
2C: What are your strongest qualities on the pitch?
KS: I feel my strongest qualities on the pitch are my 1v1 defending abilities as well as my technical ability. I don’t want to sound cliché and say my speed and athleticism but those are qualities as well.
2C: Do you have a favorite moment from the past few months with OSU?
KS: During our Spring Exhibition season these past few months I was able to play several games as a right back, which was a new position for me. The opportunity to be able to grow and have that experience as a player was a really good moment.
2C: What are some of your goals and aspirations for your soccer career?
KS: My main objective for my career in soccer is to join a professional team. I’d hope to be able to use my platform to help continue the growth of young aspiring female athletes that look like me and may come from backgrounds that limit the opportunities they need to reach their dreams. I want to be able to have a hand in helping them reach their full potential the same way some have helped me in my journey.
2C: Why are you UP NEXT?
KS: I feel I am UP NEXT because my determination and passion for the game motivate me to continue to strive to be a better player and person. I have so much I want to give to the game. I feel like I am already ready for those next steps that would go toward doing so.
You can follow Kionna’s journey on Instagram and Twitter
Also check her out on the pitch as the Oklahoma State Women’s spring season kicks off.
