Athlete of the Week: Cole Simons, West Orange boys volleyball

West Orange High junior Cole Simons is an all-caps ATHLETE. Standing at a towering 6-foot-3, the Warriors’ two-sport athlete’s height comes with the hops to match; a vertical leap that he uses to leap over opponents on the hardwood as both a power forward for the West Orange boys basketball team and an outside hitter for the boys volleyball team. 

Despite excelling with a the ball in his hands as a hooper, Simons’ future as an athlete most likely is centered around spiking the ball instead of shooting. As a sophomore, he recorded 188 kills and 48 total blocks in 63 sets played, which helped lead the Warriors to its best season ever, finishing with a 20-5 record and the program’s first Metro West Conference Championship.

With a good chunk of that historic team graduated, Simons not only returns as Warrior volleyball’s top weapon on offense but also as a one of the team’s leaders. 

THE BASICS

Age: 16

Sport: Volleyball, basketball

Grade: Junior

School: West Orange High

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

I’m extremely honored to be recognized for this award.

What do you enjoy the most about volleyball?

I really enjoy the intensity and excitement it brings me.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from volleyball?

You have to lose in order to win.

What is your favorite volleyball memory?

Winning the West Metro Championship for West Orange last season.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Michael Jordan because he had a killer mentality and never stopped working until he was the best.

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

My pre-game meal is cereal.

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

“Back in Black” by AC/DC.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

I like to play pingpong.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Science, because it’s the most interesting.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

Some food and water, because I need that to survive; and then I’d bring a phone, so I can call someone to get me off the island, and I can go home.

What is your favorite movie?

I like the movie “Ready Player One,” because it’s creative and has good dialogue.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

Probably my grandfather, because I never got to meet him.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would go to the 1980s, because I love ’80s music and I think the world was better back then.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Keep working hard, your time will come, and always stay confident.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

Did I achieve everything I wanted to in my life?

Who is your favorite superhero?

Definitely Iron Man — not only because he’s very smart but he also defeated Thanos.

Who is your favorite supervillain?

Magneto, because he has a very cool power.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would want to be able to freeze time, because I could stop everyone and pretty much get away with anything I want.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

Hawaii, Paris and Japan, because I’ve heard all of those places are amazing travel destinations.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?

I would be a bird, so I could feel what it’s like to fly around.

What is your most controversial food take?

Chocolate is terrible.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Heck no!