Lizzy Simonin (2019) - M Club Hall of Fame - University of Memphis Athletics

Lizzy Simonin

Induction:
2019

A native of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Lizzy Simonin arrived at the University of Memphis in the fall of 2008 and made an immediate impact on women’s soccer in Conference USA. She appeared in 22 straight matches during her inaugural season, 18 as a starter, and led the team in points, goals and shots. She led the Tiger women’s squad to an NCAA bid and played a season-high 103 minutes against Illinois. Her play in 2008 was so outstanding that Simonin was selected the Conference USA Freshman of the Year and was named to the C-USA All-Conference second team. Hampered by an ankle injury in 2009, Simonin appeared in just 16 of the team’s 22 matches but still managed to tally 12 points and help her teammates return to the NCAA postseason. With her aggressive style of play, Simonin was moved to defender in 2010 and started every match, which included shutouts in 11 of the Tigers’ 22 contests. For her outstanding play in 2010, she was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year and led her squad to their third consecutive NCAA appearance. Entering her senior season, Simonin continued to excel. She started all 24 contests and helped her team to a 22-1-1 record and a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament invitation. An outstanding student-athlete, Simonin was named the 2011 recipient of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, which is given annually to the most-outstanding senior student-athlete in NCAA Division I women’s soccer. She also became the first player in C-USA history to be named the Defensive Player of the Year twice. Following graduation, Simonin returned to the Kansas City area to pursue her masters’ degree. She served as a graduate assistant coach at UMKC before returning to Memphis to coach under Brooks Monaghan.