Mike Simmel Quotes & Testimonials

Basketball Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley Sr., of St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, said he got to know Simmel when he was a kid attending a basketball camp Hurley coached. Hurley said “even then Simmel’s love of the game and determination to carve out a place in basketball was evident.”

The coach attends Bounce Out the Stigma camps each summer. He described them as “utterly life changing.”

“I figured out that there’s nothing different about these kids. They love basketball in their own way. We teach them and have fun with it,” Hurley said. “Mike has taught me a valuable lesson about life.”

” Mike’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Your experience with Mike is sure to be an unforgettable one.”
– Mike Saunders, Legendary Head Trainer, New York Knicks
“He was very entertaining and showed our campers several fundamentals
of the game of basketball mixed with a flair that only Mike Simmel can add.”
– Bobby Gonzalez, Former Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Seton Hall University
“Mike Simmel is unique. He is passionate and 100% committed about his desire to perform,be the best and support others. He is one of the most gifted players on our roster, while at the same time being one of the most unsuspecting talents on the team. I am proud and thrilled to bring Mike to our Fans.”
– Todd Davis, President and CEO, Harlem Wizards
“Mighty Mike and his team of passionate and enthusiastic coaches took a diverse group of children off the bench this summer and scored big! He and his staff created an unbelievable environment that motivated my son to play
over and above his potential. My son bounced out of the pogram begging for more! I would highly recommend participating in the Mighty Mike Bounce-Out-The-Stigma program to any parent with a child needing a boost in self-esteem and a reminder that over-coming challenges should never be considered a long-shot. Warmest regards and many thanks,”
– Ryan’s Mom, Age 13
“We appreciate Mike’s contribution to our national effort to increase public awareness of epilepsy.
The Foundation is fortunate to work with someone who is willing to share his positive story
and personal experiences.”
– Eric Hargis, President and CEO, Epilepsy Foundation of America
“Mighty Mike Simmel’s halftime performance was a fun and  exciting basketball experience enjoyed by everyone.“
– Sean Joyce, Corporate Sales Manager & Special Events, Drexel University Athletics
“Mike entertained and educated our campers. He offered drills for improvement on the court and spoke of experiences that offer improvement in life.Our campers are better people and players because of Mike’s lecture.”
– Eric Eaton, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, Quinnipiac University
“Mike demonstrated plenty of fun and useful drills for all aspiring perimeter players.
The extra effort he put into his demonstration was a lesson in itself.”
– Gerry McDowell, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Wesleyan University
“Working with Mike was a joy every step of the way. His performance at our 30th Anniversary Celebration was a perfect combination of enthusiasm, skill, knowledge, and passion. Mike’s message about epilepsy was perfectly
suited to professionals, family members, and people with epilepsy. It is an honor to have worked with Mike and we look forward to a long lasting  relationship in the years to come!”
– Krista Nieman, Executive Director, The Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio
“Mike was the hit of the camp! He gave the kids drills for years to come. He was both entertaining as well as informative.”
– Lou Bonora, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Pope John High School (Sparta, NJ)
“The elementary students in Waldwick enjoyed Mighty Mike’s program and were so touched by his kindness and his basketball wizardry.”
-Dr. Carol L. Lynch, Director of Special Services, Waldwick, NJ
“Mike has taken his experience with Epilepsy to give meaning to his life and is passionate in his mission to show others that they can also live a productive and meaningful life.”
– Patrick Connelly, Director of Marketing, Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey
“(Mike) is the consummate volunteer, working to enhance the quality of life of all children by his personal expression of success through adversity.”
– Ann Marie Bezuyen, Director of Education, Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group
“Lady Paladin Hoops is a quality camp for young ladies interested in learning the team concept.Along with this philosophy we are very selective in whom we bring to our camp to talk to and teachour young ladies. Mike brings the qualities of high energy and a passion for the game of basketball. He extends this to our players/campers every year. Because of this Mike has been a part ofLady Paladin hoops for the past ten years. What we especially like about Mike is how he selectively challenges our girls with his many ball handling skills. A true asset to our program.”
– Al Roth, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Paramus Catholic High School