Photos by Toni Eads
Lawrence Central graduating senior Isabella “Izzy” Simonsen is the 2024-2025 Central Indiana Orthopedics (CIO) 2025 Senior Student-Athlete of the Year. She will receive $500 in scholarship money.
Simonsen is set up for success in more ways than one. As a four-year varsity starter for the girls’ volleyball team and standing 5 feet 9 inches, Simonsen is a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Off the court, you will find Simonsen in her other “happy” place – the stage. Having played a Dolly Parton-inspired take on the Pharaoh in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Simonsen is passionate about theater.
“I’ve known I was going to be an actress for as long as I can remember,” Simonsen said. “Performing in front of people has always been my passion, whether in the living room doing impromptu dance routines or on the big stage. For me, the theater is a place where I can be my authentic self and perform. My favorite thing about acting is how it allows me to fully step into someone else’s shoes and portray them in a way that brings the audience closer to not only the character, but the overall story.”
Simonsen held leadership positions for the varsity volleyball team and the International Thespian Society. She was the speaking captain of her team and webmaster for the Lawrence Central theater social media accounts.
On top of that, academics always remained front and center. “I used my study halls to help me get ahead on all of my homework to make sure that I don’t fall behind with as much as I’m doing,” she said.
Between the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, Simonsen completed more than 200 hours of community service. “Honestly, this does act as a sort of unwind for me,” she said. “Giving back to the community is something I see as a part of my lifestyle, not as a chore on my agenda.”
Simonsen was also a part of Lawrence Central Dance Marathon, which raises money for Riley Hospital for Children. In 2023, she raised 25% of the overall school donation.
Her volleyball skills garnered her plenty of recognition, as she was named to the all-Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference team and made honorable mention on the all-Marion County team two years in a row.
“She excels at everything she does,” said her dad, Steve Simonsen. He has coached volleyball at multiple levels for decades and has watched his daughter blossom while expanding her hobbies and interests. “It’s more than just sports,” he said. “You can tell a lot about this kid by her character and dedication.”
Simonsen’s hard work has paid off. She is finishing the year with a 4.5 GPA, top 30 in her class, and as a distinguished scholar. She’ll be attending Butler University this fall with a double major in Theater and Psychology with a minor in Film. She plans to stay connected to volleyball by helping manage the Butler Volleyball team as time permits.
Simonsen’s full schedule has taught her a valuable life lesson – open communication is everything. “Let’s just say, it is not easy,” she said. “A lot of open dialogue is needed to participate in as many things as I do successfully, and my parents, coaches, directors, teachers, and club/honor society sponsors have helped me grow those skills.”
When Simonsen does have free time, she is with friends, critiquing horror movies, going to concerts or sitting around a bonfire. “Other than that, there is no resting,” she said with a wry smile. “I thrive off being busy, so I can’t imagine a life where I have nothing to do.”