Former Humboldt State University Department of Athletics’ Hall of Famer and women’s basketball stand-out, Suzi Farmer Simmons passed away of metastatic breast cancer on January 15, 2021. Farmer Simmons graduated from Humboldt State in 1991 and was inducted into the Department of Athletics’ Hall of Fame in 1994.

 “There will always be a special place in my heart for Suzi,” said former Humboldt State head women’s basketball coach Pam Martin.   “She was on the first team I coached at Humboldt.  Suzi was a quiet leader who was committed to our vision and the hard work required to reach our goals.   Suzi was an athletic post player that ran the court like a gazelle.  She wasn't just a scorer but she dominated the boards, played great post defense and was active in our press.  She helped set the standard for future players."

 Farmer Simmons was a 6’0 post player for the Lumberjacks from 1985 to 1989. She came to HSU from Butte Valley High School in Dorris, Calif., where she graduated high school from in 1985.  During the 1987-88 season, she was named to the All-NCAC Honorable Mention Team.  The next season in 1988-89, Farmer Simmons was selected to the All-NCAC First Team.  Suzi graduated from Humboldt State in 1991 with a degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training.   The 1989 Kodak All-District Honoree was inducted into the Humboldt State Department of Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994. “Suzi was unique in that she did not desire limelight or attention but she fiercely wanted to win,” noted HSU former Director of Athletics Tom Trepiak. ”I remember when she attended an HSU spring preview day as a high school senior in the mid '80s. She was shy but determined. She dedicated herself to become one of the best centers in Humboldt State history.”

During her senior season, Suzi contributions helped the Lumberjacks to their first winning season since 1976-77 and only the second at that point in program’s history.  She finished her career scoring 855 points while grabbing 645 rebounds.  Suzi shot 46.9% from the field and had 77 blocked shots with 137 steals and 62 assists. She finished her career fourth on HSU’s career list in rebounds and tenth in free throws made.

Suzi is survived by her husband, Matt, and two daughters, Matilda and Finley.  She lived in Eureka, Calif., and worked at the Open Door Community Health Center. Suzi is the daughter of Tom and Dar Farmer and sister of Teresa Farmer Miller and Kevin Farmer.

Her husband was a member of the Lumberjack men’s basketball team from 1990 to 1992. Suzi’s father was inducted into the HSU Hall of Fame in 2015 as a member of the men’s track and field team during the 1961-65 seasons as a triple jumper.  Her sister, Teresa Farmer Miller, was a member of the Lumberjack women’s basketball team from 1994 to 1998. Teresa was a member of the Lumberjacks’ team that made the program’s first regional appearance during her freshman season.