Welcome! This weekly column spotlights deserving coaches, players, support staff or fans in our area. The Eagle Times sports team remains committed to bringing you the best in profiles on the people making a difference in the lives of our children and their athletic programs so we can build an even stronger sports community. If you have someone in your area you would like to see featured, please call Sports Editor Chris LaClair at 603-372-2684.
Today we focus on Crystal Simonds, a decorated member of the community as a school resource officer and field hockey coach. She runs Project Red and Blue, a highly acclaimed camp-style program that’s collaborative effort between the Claremont Middle School and the Claremont Police Department. The goal is for children to build academic success, build leadership skills and promote community engagement.
Question: What is your position in the school system?
Answer: I’m currently assigned to the School Resource Officer position for SAU 6, as well as the juvenile detective for the Claremont Police Department.
Q: When did your passion for sports begin?
A: I have been involved in sports since elementary school. I grew up playing baseball or playing catch with my dad or my brother. We always had some sort of neighborhood game going; it was what we did as kids. I played organized sports since maybe third grade right up through high school.
Q: What is your involvement with sports in this community?
A: In my off time from work, I coach the [grade] 3-6 youth field hockey program here in Claremont. My assistant coach, Sarra Wadsworth, and I also recently started a K-2 program, as well. I’ve been coaching youth field hockey for approximately six years now.
Q: What are the details of your K-2 program that you run on Saturdays behind Claremont Middle School?
A: The K-2 is new this year. We play on Saturday mornings and with not many K-2s nearby, they will participate in some jamborees along with my 3-6 program. At this level, you are just teaching them the basic stick skills and fundamentals, making the sport fun and creating passion so they continue to be interested in the sport and continue to play. We meet one day a week for an hour.
Q: What advice do you have for student-athletes who are thinking of making a career in law enforcement?
A: To focus on their character, education and take their studies seriously. Just like an athlete on the field making crucial game decisions, an officer needs to work under pressure and maintain composure at difficult times while making decisions that can sometimes be life changing.
Continue to be engaged in the community. Community engagement is crucial in making relationships and continuing to be involved in community activities. The kids see you as a different person outside of work and this helps create those healthy relationships.
Q: Any closing comment about coaching that you would like to make?
A: Coaching kids is more than teaching the fundamentals of the sport. It’s developing passion and love for the game. It’s about teaching them how to be great teammates, to come prepared and have fun. It’s about them having respect for one another and most importantly, respect for the coach and officials.
— Chris LaClair, Eagle Times Sports Editor
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