Senior Profile: Kerri Simpson

by Mario Machi

01/02/00

- The answer: This multi-talented William and Mary gymnast cites a future goal of being on the television game show ?Jeopardy?.

The question: Who is Kerri Simpson?

That?s just one of the things to discover when talking to Simpson, a senior from Mt. Airy, MD, who will make her final appearance for the Tribe at tonight?s Senior Meet.

The category is ?Interests?.

Here?s the answer: Music.

The question: What is Kerri Simpson?s inspiration?

Music is something she has loved as long as she can remember. Simpson loves classic rock with a passion, and says that she would ?dominate? the competition on ?Rock N? Roll Jeopardy?.

?I know so much useless music trivia that it?s not even funny,? Simpson says.

Simpson says that, if money wasn?t an object, she would sing for a living. That must tie into one of her life goals, which is to become a rock star.

Of course, that?s if the whole medical school thing falls through. A biology major, Simpson plans to take a year off before going to medical school for orthopedic surgery. In the year away from school, Simpson would like to enroll in a post-baccalaureate pre-med program at the National Institute of Health.

The next category is ?Injuries?.

The answer: A removal of patella from her right knee in her freshman year of high school. The first rib on her right side being removed in her sophomore year of high school. A broken tibia and fibula in her left leg her senior year of high school. A right ankle reconstruction in her first year at W&M. Complications after involvement in an automobile accident her sophomore year. A left knee injury her junior year that turned into a partially torn meniscus that required surgery after the season.

The question: What injuries have slowed Kerri Simpson?s gymnastics career?

Simpson has fought through all of the injuries, and tonight she is slated to perform an exhibition that is symbolic of the recovery she?s made. Since she?s performed gymnastics since the age of two, it?s been tough for her to miss out on the action for the better part of the past four years.

?It is unbelievably tough to sit and watch,? Simpson said. ?This year it really hit me.?

Simpson has contributed in other ways, though. An excellent choreographer, Simpson designed a routine for currently injured freshman Brittany Gibbs and also worked on the floor exercise with sophomore Emma Cross, who has been one of the team?s top performers on the event this year.

?Kerri is so creative,? senior co-captain Erin Skinner says. ?She has a great eye for precision and technique.?

The Final Jeopardy category is ?Respected and Adored.?

The answer: This gymnast has overcome obstacles throughout her career. She has proven to be successful in the classroom and in the gym. Her teammates love the dimension she adds to the squad with her wit, dedication and leadership.

The question: Who is Kerri Simpson?