WATCH: Kaira Simmons Brought Home Multiple State Championships for the Rockledge Raiders

2021 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME

WATCH: Kaira Simmons, a 2015 graduate of Rockledge High School, has been selected for induction into the Class of 2021 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame prep category.

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BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Kaira Simmons, a 2015 graduate of Rockledge High School, has been selected for induction into the Class of 2021 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame prep category.

As a member of the Rockledge Raiders track team, Simmons brought home multiple state championships, including the long jump in 2015, and was a member of the 4x100m state championship teams in 2013 and 2014.

Her stellar career at Rockledge gave her the opportunity to continue her education and compete in track & field at the University of Mississippi.

Although her senior season at Ole Miss was cut short by the pandemic, Simmons excelled her junior year for the Rebels. She was selected as an All-American, having participated in the 4×100 relay and was an NCAA East Region Qualifier in the 4×100 meter relay.

Simmons was also outstanding in the long jump, finishing her career with the third-longest jump in Ole Miss history.

One of her many highlights at Ole Miss was twice being selected an Arthur Ashe, Jr., Sports Scholar recipient. To be eligible for this prestigious award, one must be an outstanding student-athlete.

Academically, Simmons was named to the AD’s Honor Roll seven times, the Chancellor’s Honor Roll four times, the SEC Honor Roll three times and the Dean’s Honor Roll once. She was also named the 2019-2020 Outstanding Graduate Student for Legal Studies.

The former Raider and Rebel track star never thought she would end up with a career in law enforcement but recently completed the Law Enforcement Academy at Valencia College and is now an Orange County Deputy.

Simmons said that after 20 weeks in the Academy she now understands her purpose.

“I have always loved criminal justice, but I never thought being a deputy is what I would be,” said Simmons.

“I would say things like, I want to do forensic science, or be a lawyer, or anything other than being a cop, but here I am, and honestly, I’m super excited!”

When asked about those that have influenced her to reach her potential, Simmons talks about the role her family has played.

“Throughout the process, they have been my backbone, and, for that, I am forever grateful,” said Simmons.

Her godfather, who has worked for more than 30 years with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, has also been a major influence in her career decision.

“It is nice to have someone rip off the band-aid and tell you the good, bad and ugly about what you are about to get yourself into,” said Simmons. “He has been a sounding board from start to finish.”

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