---
title: Staff Sgt. Jennifer Simmonds on Balancing Softball and Soldier Care
description: Staff Sgt. Jennifer Simmonds ensures army men’s softball players stay healthy, combining medical expertise with sports injury prevention
---

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# [Staff Sgt. Jennifer Simmonds on Balancing Softball and Soldier Care](https://blog.healthyroster.com/blog/at-staff-sgt.-jennifer-simmonds-on-balancing-softball-and-soldier-care)

 Written by [Tim Clark](https://blog.healthyroster.com/blog/author/tim-clark) | Sep 26, 2024 2:33:04 PM

Out in Oklahoma City, the All-Army men's softball team stood with hands on their chests during the national anthem at the 2024 Armed Forces Softball Tournament.

<https://cavazossentinel.com/editorial/great-people-at-the-great-place/article_ea5abfec-7ab1-11ef-a5cf-bf0c942ab554.html>Among them was a key team member, Staff Sgt. Jennifer Simmonds, who wasn’t there to play but to help the U.S. Army win — as the team’s Athletic Trainer.

Simmonds, a healthcare specialist from Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, joined the Army at 29 after working as a waitress in the Virgin Islands.

*“I wanted financial stability for me and my kids.”*

Her brother-in-law, an Army recruiter, suggested she become a 68W healthcare specialist. She soon found herself stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea, where she rekindled her love for softball and joined the All-Army women’s softball team in 2018-2019.

Her expertise didn’t go unnoticed.

*“One of the All-Army men’s coaches saw me coaching the CRDAMC team. He saw how I interacted with my team, knew I was a 68W and asked me to be their trainer."*

All-Army sports teams use healthcare specialists in place of Athletic Trainers. But her role goes beyond treating injuries; Simmonds monitors her players closely for any signs of distress.

*“When a team plays for 12 hours a day, leg injuries, shoulder injuries, heat exhaustion aren’t uncommon. I always notice when something’s off."*

Simmonds doesn’t aim to bench players but to manage their injuries so they can keep playing.

*“A lot of things that happen to them, I was specifically trained to treat.”*

She added that she’s learned additional skills like sports taping and strength and conditioning to keep her players in top form.

*“It means everything for me to be a part of this team. Being the All-Army softball team’s trainer is a perfect fit for me.”*

Check out the full story [here](https://cavazossentinel.com/editorial/great-people-at-the-great-place/article_ea5abfec-7ab1-11ef-a5cf-bf0c942ab554.html)! 

[View full post](https://blog.healthyroster.com/blog/at-staff-sgt.-jennifer-simmonds-on-balancing-softball-and-soldier-care)

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