Cobra Spotlight- Steve Efland & Tom Simpson, Athletic Staff
During the summer of 2014, the Coker sports information office brings you the "Cobra Athletic Staff Spotlight". Each week we highlight different members of the Coker athletics staff, giving you an in depth look at the athletics staff and coaches. This week we take a look at Steve Efland, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach and Tom Simpson, Head Men's & Women's Tennis Coach.
Name: Steve Efland
Administration Position (Title): Head Coach Women’s Lacrosse
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Why did you choose Coker? It was a match made in heaven.
What unique ability does your role give you? The opportunity to give young ladies a college education, and coach the great game of lacrosse.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Choose your battles.
What is the best thing about working at Coker? The nice brand-new office in the DeLoach Center.
What achievement are you most proud of? Finishing year one as a respected women's lacrosse program.
What is something people may not know about you? I have been a professional cook before.
Who is your favorite professional sports team? Baltimore Ravens
What is your favorite food? Steak
What kind of music do you listen to? Everything except country.
What is the last book you read? Winter of the World, by Ken Follett
What was your childhood ambition? Be a an NFL Coach.
What was your very first job? Newspaper delivery boy.
What is your most prized possession? Lew Alcindor autograph
Do you have a nickname? If so, how did you get it? No
In your free time you like too… read
One word that describes you: Fair
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Name: Thomas Simpson
Administration Position (Title): Head Men's & Woman's Tennis Coach & Adjunct Religion Professor
Hometown: Danville, Illinois
Why did you choose Coker? They offered me a job...lol
What unique ability does your role give you? Coach, teacher, psychiatrist, doctor, parent, friend, zen master, strategist, bus driver, meal planner, and racquet stringer.
What is the best advice you have ever received? "Never wait or hesitate, get in kid before it is too late, it may never last, live it long, live it fast" lyrics from a Rod Stewart song.
What is the best thing about working at Coker? The opportunity to be a part of a great community of people
What achievement are you most proud of? I always strive to take the people one step further in their journey be it on the tennis court or in the classroom.
What is something people may not know about you? I completed a tennis marathon and played tennis with my brother for 108 hour and 5 minutes and we only lost 2 sets while setting a world record that held for almost 2 years.
Who is your favorite professional sports team? Da Bears & the Cubs
What is your favorite food? Anything but brussel sprouts
What kind of music do you listen to? Anything
What is the last book you read? The Rabbi's Heart by Brennan Manning
What was your childhood ambition? Become the youngest President of the United States
What was your very first job? In grade school - paper route because I lost a fortune when the Jets beat the Colts in the Superbowl.
What is your most prized possession? My family
Do you have a nickname? If so, how did you get it? I am called Babu by my grandchildren
In your free time you like too... travel, music, read and food
One word that describes you: Honest