Simmons picked up his first stick in 1923. By 1925, he was an All-American defenseman, leading Syracuse University to two USILA National Championships. Following graduation, Roy remained at SU to coach the freshman team until he assumed the varsity coaching role in 1931. A Syracuse lacrosse legend, Roy Simmons Sr. coached the Orangemen for forty years, compiling a 251-130-1 record before his retirement in 1970.