Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A with senior linebacker Withney Simon
10/12/2018 | 10:44:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Senior linebacker Withney Simon has played 35 games since his arrival at Southern Illinois in 2015. Originally from Haiti, Simon and his family moved to Orlando when he was eight. He is a leader in the program's community service efforts and plans to start a non-profit organization to assist his homeland after graduation.
What was it like growing up in Haiti?
It was good but rough at the same time. My dad had left Haiti in 1999, which left my mom raising five kids on her own.
How difficult was that for your mom and how much do you appreciate what she did for you?
I knew it was really hard on her, but she never showed it. At times we did not have much, causing us to borrow resources from people. She was expected to pay back debts to the people she borrowed from. Sometimes she could not fulfill those debts and people would become angry with her. Seeing everything that my mom has done for my family makes me appreciate and love her. I could not ask for a better mom, as she played the role of both parents for my siblings and I.
How was the experience of living in a crowded household with four sisters?
I was close with my two younger sisters and two older sisters. Surprisingly, my younger sisters kept me grounded and in check. They taught me how to respect women and be a man. They are my biggest motivation, and to this day, I still call them whenever I have a problem.
When Rachel Baribeau spoke to the Saluki football team, she touched on some of the same themes that your sisters taught you. What aspects of her presentation stood out?
The main thing I learned was to treat women like queens. Growing up with four sisters, treating women right was always important. I would not want any guys disrespecting my sisters. Because of that, it motivates me to treat them the way they deserve to be treated.
When you moved to Orlando, was it difficult acclimating to a new culture?
Coming to America was a positive change. My grandma had previously lived in America, before moving back to Haiti. She told me about the opportunities possible through living in America. But once arriving here, I realized it was a totally different culture. Learning the new language, understanding nothing at school and adjusting to new food was just very different and difficult at times.
You come from a hard-working family and held down a job while in high school. Tell me about your job and how you balanced going to school, working and athletics?
The job I held was for a non-profit organization called Parramore Kids. The job was to help kids like myself grow out of the neighborhood. For example, we would take college trips just to show that there was more to the world than being stuck in the Parramore area. If anything, the job helped me balance out everything. The tours were for everyone, so I would take advantage of it. I also worked in athletics with my job. Through that, I was able to play football even before starting high school.
You were involved in relief efforts after the devastating hurricane that struck Haiti several years ago. Do you still maintain close ties to your homeland?
My relationship with Haiti is always going to be very close. On our way back from the Youngstown State game, my mom told me that Haiti had been hit by an earthquake. Since then, I have been trying to get in contact with people going to Haiti so that I can send clothes and food there. Once I graduate, I want to start a non-profit organization that aids the education of youth in Haiti.
Now in your fourth year as a Saluki and set to graduate in the spring, has your college experience flown by?
It has been a quick and crazy experience. As a child from Haiti, I would have never guessed to be in this position. It was not until head coach Nick Hill recruited me, that I began to realize that this dream may be possible. Everybody had given up on me, but coach Hill did not.
Take me through your commitment to SIU?
Originally, I thought that I was going to receive an offer from Florida Atlantic but they decided to choose another guy instead. One day at church, I was praying about receiving an offer to play football. As I was leaving, coach Hill called to offer a full-ride scholarship and I instantly committed. I always had faith in God and knew that SIU was the right fit.
What do you like about playing football?
To be honest, football is the key to all of my success. Without football, I would not be in college. That is why I try hard to keep going with the sport. It has presented many opportunities for myself and is more than just a game.
You are known as one of the best-dressed athletes at SIU. Why do you take pride in your style and appearance?
I take pride in my style because I used to not have many items of clothing. Through my appearance, no one can ever see when I am going through my worst stage. Therefore, even when I am going through a tough stage in life, I will still look presentable.
What do you want the world to know about Withney Simon?
No matter who it is, I really love and care about people. If I see that someone is hurting, I am hurting too. Due to that, I try my best to help people.
