Jennie Simms' journey in the WNBA is a testament to resilience and talent, but her college career is where she truly shined—and this is the part most people miss. Before joining the Phoenix Mercury, Simms was a powerhouse on the court, delivering performances that still resonate with fans. Let’s dive into her story, from her college dominance to her role in the WNBA, and explore why her impact is worth revisiting.
But here's where it gets controversial: While Simms’ WNBA stats might not jump off the page, her college performances suggest a player capable of much more. Could she have been utilized differently in the pros? We’ll get to that later.
Simms joined the Phoenix Mercury during a pivotal yet challenging period. The 2022 season was particularly tough for the team, as they navigated the absence of star player Brittney Griner. Despite reaching the WNBA Finals in 2021, the Mercury’s 2022 campaign was a struggle, culminating in a brief playoff run that ended with a sweep by the Las Vegas Aces. The team finished with a 15-21 record, and Simms, one of the new additions, played 23 games, starting in four. She averaged 3.4 points and 2.2 rebounds—solid contributions but not the headline-grabbing numbers she was known for in college.
Her time in Phoenix was short, and the 2023 season was even more challenging for the Mercury, marking one of their worst years. However, Simms’ earlier stints with the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever provided glimpses of her potential. Yet, it’s her college career that truly stands out.
Simms began her collegiate journey at West Virginia before transferring to Old Dominion, where she became a force to be reckoned with. Her performances were nothing short of extraordinary. Take, for instance, her career-high 45-point game against Florida International, where she also grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded two steals. Old Dominion secured an 80-67 victory, thanks in large part to Simms’ dominance. Teammate Ashley Betz-White added 12 points, but it was Simms who stole the show.
Another standout performance came against Marshall, where Simms dropped 43 points, along with four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. She was the sole player in double figures, leading her team to a 73-69 win—their seventh of the season. And let’s not forget her 41-point outing against Florida Atlantic, where she also tallied 13 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals in a 93-73 victory.
Overall, Simms averaged an impressive 20.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 steals during her college career. These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re a testament to her ability to take over games and lead her team to victory. And this is the part most people miss: Her college success raises questions about why she didn’t have a larger role in the WNBA. Was it a matter of fit, opportunity, or something else entirely?
While Simms’ time with the Mercury wasn’t defined by superstar numbers, she provided valuable depth during a difficult period for the team. Players like her helped ease the burden of a challenging season, even if her contributions didn’t always make the headlines.
Controversy alert: Some argue that Simms’ college performances deserved a bigger stage in the WNBA. Do you think she was underutilized, or was her role a reflection of the league’s competitive landscape? Let us know in the comments.
To explore more about the college days of past Mercury players like Jennie Simms, follow us on X by clicking here. Her story is a reminder that every player has a unique journey—and sometimes, the most fascinating chapters are the ones that don’t make it into the highlight reels.
