A Freshman Sensation
Mae Simon, a ninth‑grader at Olmsted Falls High School, has quickly become the talk of the town after receiving scholarship offers from three Mid‑American conference programs. The announcements, posted on her Instagram on June 29, highlighted interest from Bowling Green, Akron and Youngstown State, each of which cited her ball‑handling, passing and shooting prowess.
Coach Jordan Eaton, who has overseen Simon’s integration into the varsity lineup, notes that the transition from AAU competition to high school play brings a different defensive emphasis. “Our high school teams employ more structured defensive schemes than the more open AAU environment,” Eaton explained, adding that Simon’s adaptability has been evident in recent summer tournaments.
During the June showcase at Baldwin Wallace University and the 2026 Midwest Live event at Cedar Point Sports Center, Simon faced off against seasoned opponents and demonstrated poise under pressure. Her performances helped the Bulldogs secure a conference championship last season, a feat that contributed to a 22‑5 record and four regional titles in the past four years.
Beyond the court, Simon is the younger sister of Jesse Simon, a two‑time Morning Journal Girls Basketball Player of the Year, whose legacy continues to inspire her ambitions.
Recruitment Landscape
The interest from Bowling Green, Akron and Youngstown State reflects a broader trend of Mid‑western programs scouting talent from smaller suburban schools. Each university maintains an official online presence, with Bowling Green’s athletics page at bgsu.edu, Akron’s site at uakron.edu and Youngstown State’s portal at ysu.edu providing detailed recruiting information.
While Simon’s offensive skills have drawn praise, Eaton stresses that defensive refinement and decision‑making under duress remain focal points of her development. “She has made significant strides, but there is still work to be done in tightening her defensive stance and handling pressure situations,” he said.
The upcoming season promises to be a pivotal chapter for both Simon and the Bulldogs, as the team aims to extend its regional dominance while navigating the heightened expectations that accompany high‑profile recruits.