023 | Rob Simms: From Baseball Dreams to Nonprofit Success and Broadcasting

About the Guest

Rob Simms is a respected figure in the world of sports communications and nonprofit fundraising. Initially discovering his passion for baseball in St. Louis, Sims pursued an athletic scholarship at Truman State University. After an wrapping up his college baseball career, Simms transitioned into sports media and later joined Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, as a sports information director. Over time, he pivoted to a career in nonprofit fundraising where he has helped secure over $100 million in capital for various projects. Simms remains connected to his athletic roots as the broadcaster for the Creighton Bluejays women’s basketball team, a position he has held for over two decades.

Episode Summary

In this captivating episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks is joined by Rob Simms, whose life journey from a young baseball enthusiast in St. Louis to a successful career in nonprofit fundraising and sports broadcasting exemplifies resilience and adaptability. The conversation explores how Simms endured the early loss of his father, a challenging transition from athlete to professional, and his eventual pivot from a demanding career in Division I athletics to nurturing his family and pursuing his passion through nonprofit work. Simms shares insights on how pivotal moments in his life shaped his career and personal choices.

The episode delves deep into the sacrifices and decisions surrounding a career in sports, revealing Simms’ journey from a college baseball player at Truman State University to his role managing sports media relations at Creighton University. His eventual decision to leave Creighton for more family-friendly work in nonprofit fundraising highlights the challenges many face in balancing professional ambitions with personal commitments. Throughout the discussion, Simms emphasizes the importance of adaptability and staying true to personal values, underlining how his diverse experiences facilitated his unique career path. This inspiring narrative is testament to the power of perseverance and strategic life choices in achieving personal and professional fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in Adversity: Rob Simms’ experience losing his father at a young age and finding solace in baseball illustrates the role of sports as a therapeutic and grounding force.
• Career Transitioning: Simms’ shift from a promising athletic career to roles in sports media and nonprofit fundraising highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability.
• The Value of Structure: Emphasizing his college years, Simms discusses how structured activities, like sports, teach valuable life skills and discipline.
• Balancing Family and Career: Through his career choices, Simms advocates for prioritizing family while still pursuing professional dreams.
• Insight into Athletics Careers: The episode provides a candid exploration of the realities of working behind the scenes in Division I athletics and the personal sacrifices involved.

Notable Quotes

1. “My mom is the strongest 5-foot-tall woman that you’ll ever meet because I don’t know how she did it.”
2. “I loved that structure that baseball and athletics put into my life.”
3. “I never thought I would be on a national broadcast… and no, I never would have thought this would be how I would end up.”
4. “One of the biggest honors and roles in my life is being a father.”
5. “I feel like that’s how my life has played out… always keeping an eye open, developing enough relationships to have opportunities outside of what you think you can do.”

Resources

• Follow Rob Simms on Instagram and X: @iamrobsimms

Tune in to the full episode to gain comprehensive insights from Rob Simms’ extraordinary journey and learn how his experience can guide others facing similar crossroads in life. Stay subscribed for more compelling stories and lessons from high achievers on Becoming UnDone.