DAVIDSON, N.C. — Liz Simms is on the fast track, literally and figuratively.

The Butler graduate and Davidson College freshman is progressing at a rapid pace in the 800 meters for the Wildcats' women's indoor track and field team.

“I am very pleased with where she's at right now,” Davidson women's track coach Jen Straub said. “A lot of kids struggle, or at least take time, making the transition from high school to college athletics.

“The caliber of competition, of teammates, is different. Training and conditioning techniques are different.

“Liz has hit the ground running here,” the coach added.

Simms won the 800 at the Mondo College Invitational Feb. 2 with a time of 2 minutes, 20.61 seconds. She won the 800 again at the JDL Team Challenge Feb. 13 with a season-best time of 2:17.97.

She has improved her 800-meter time in every meet this indoor season.

“The competition here has been exciting,” Simms said. “We have an outstanding group of runners on our team and I'm pushed every day.

“I love it. And competing in the Atlantic 10 ... Every meet is a challenge.”

When Simms won the JDL team Challenge 800-meter race, she was one of four Davidson runners to finish among the top eight.

By running a time of 2:17.97, she is already within three seconds of her best outdoor time (2:14) posted at Butler last spring.

“That's a really good sign,” Straub said. “It shows how Liz has responded to her training bere. I'm excited about her future and I love her motivation.

“She wants to be one of our best athletes. Her work ethic shows that.”

Simms is a teammate of junior Eleni Daughters, Davidson's record-holder in the 800 for indoor and outdoor. Daughters' indoor record is 2:08.98. Her outdoor mark 2:08.26.

“I work out with Eleni,” Simms said. “She is fantastic. I feel like I can learn from her for two years.

“You always want to shoot for records. I'd love to break hers down the road. That's my ultimate goal. I'm expected to fill her shoes once she's gone and I think I can.”

Simms described Daughters as “very supportive. She talks to me all the time.”

Straub, Davidson's women's coach for 20 years, isn't surprised by that.

“Liz and Eleni are workout partners. They run at the same pace,” the coach said. “Eleni is great at working with our younger runners. She takes them under her wing.

“Liz being able to work closely with her the way they do ... It's invaluable.”

Simms was a three-time track MVP at Butler. She was a four-year state qualifier in indoor and outdoor track with the Golden Tornado.

Her first collegiate conference championship meet — the Atlantic 10 Indoor Championships — takes place Saturday and Sunday.

Simms will be running a leg of the Wildcats' 4x800 meter relay in that meet as well as competing in the 800.

“We don't run a 4x8 during the regular indoor season, but it's an event in the championship meet,” Straub explained. “I know Liz excelled in relays in high school, so I want her on that unit for us.”

Simms can't wait.

“I'm excited about that more than anything,” she said of the relay. “Runnng a relay is my favorite part of track. You bond with the other runners and it emphasizes the team thing.

“I'll do the best I can (at the A-10 indoor meet). I want to see where I stand going into outdoor.”