Studying plays develop, just like studying history and people, is a trait that has helped Mary Washington senior Bram Sims become a two-year starter and four-year letterwinner as a defensive midfielder.   Sims, who helped the Eagles secure second place in the 2011 CAC men’s soccer standings, is this week’s INTRODUCING … featured student-athlete.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?  I’ve play soccer for as long as I can remember.  Both my older brothers played and I picked it up at a very early age along with baseball.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  I don’t really have a favorite.  I suppose anywhere outside; the campus is really nice.  Any of the benches along Campus Walk are great for sitting, watching, studying, etc. 

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?  I enjoy visiting the mountains during the winter.  My closest friends and I always go snowboarding.  There isn’t a particular mountain I enjoy more than another.  It’s more of an atmosphere thing.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  I work as an official for Campus Recreation (refereeing and supervising intramural games).  I’m also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.  Playing against Salisbury on Homecoming Weekend of my freshman year.  The game was cold, wet, and windy.  However, I don’t think any of the players cared about the conditions because we had so many fans at the game cheering us on.  It was a really fun, adrenaline-packed experience.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   I don’t feel that I have spent enough time thinking about this question to put forward an actual good answer.  That’s something you could spend your life thinking about and still it might not be the best change.  I guess I would end world hunger.  I can’t imagine how it must feel to be starving. 

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  I’m majoring in History and Economics.  For history, it would have to be how to do research. Not just historical research but, research in general on any subject. I feel it’s a very important and often overlooked skill. For economics, the ability to think critically and differently towards questions.  Often times you can’t simply look up the answer in a textbook.  You have to take a unique approach to find the (possible) answers. 

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   My best friend growing up. He never puts his wants in front of the cause.  I think a lot of people could learn from that.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  I enjoy live musical entertainment.  There is something about a live band that captivates me.  I can listen to the entire band or pick out a certain instrument while the rest are still playing and study that one musician.  It makes me smile and I rarely tire of it.

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)?      My favorite source of information is a book.  If I am able to focus only on the book, the information really seems to stick.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   I don’t know. Everyone is different; therefore, different advice is needed…Follow your dreams!

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   My favorite sports person is Paul Scholes.  He’s a retired English and Manchester United socccer player.   We play the same position and his ability to distribute the ball is amazing.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?  

Muddy Waters.  He’s an incredible blues guitarist and I like music.

J.R.R. Tolkien.  Anyone who can create that crazy of a story with its own language would have to be an interesting dinner date. 

Former U.S. President Andrew Jackson.  Because I would like to see if he is as much of a fool as I think him to be.