Get to Know Your Raiders: Emma Shank

 

Emma Shank has blossomed this season into a reliable third scorer for the women’s cross country team.

The Hummelstown native earned her first career All-PSAC and All-Region honors as a junior in 2012 when she finished ninth and 12^th, respectively, at the PSAC Championships and the NCAA Atlantic Region Championships.

An exercise science major, Shank – who was also the Raiders’ No. 1 runner (ninth place) at the Gettysburg Invitational in October – helped the Raiders win all three titles and will strive to do the same with her teammates this weekend at the NCAA National Championships from Joplin, Mo.

Get to know Emma Shank...

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

The day before a big meet, I try my best to not let the pressures of my race get to my head. At the hotel, we always paint our nails and get massages to relax. Before going to bed, I like to visualize the race in my head so that I am mentally prepared to step on that line. As for the day of the race, we warm up as a team and never fail to shout-out our team cheer: “S-H… S-H-I… S-H-I-P… SHIP let’s fly!”

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

There are a lot of places on campus that I love, but my favorite place in Shippensburg is my apartment on Earl St. I live with some of my teammates and best friends. It’s always nice to know that I have them to come home to after stressful days of school. They are the ones that keep me going and keep me motivated to reach for goals I’ve never thought I could accomplish – they are my support system through anything.

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

Anatomy has been the best class that I’ve taken so far. Although it’s challenging, I absolutely love learning about anatomy. It has been pretty neat to apply what I am learning from class to my running as well.

If you weren't majoring in exercise science, what would your major be?

I think I would choose psychology.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Friday, of course. Classes are done for the week, so what is there not to love? Also, we usually have a light day of mileage because of racing the following day, or we might have a night workout.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

Although we don’t compete single races against individual PSAC schools during the season, there are a few schools I always look forward to racing against. At the NCAA meet in Spokane, Wash., we were fortunate to race with fellow PSAC schools Bloomsburg and Lock Haven. It was really nice to have familiar faces on and off the cross country course in Spokane and to be able to share the experience with them.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

That I try my best to be a good leader on the team, and I work hard in everything I do. I also do everything for the glory of God, whether it’s school or running.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

Being part of NCAA regional and PSAC conference championship teams is an awesome experience. Above all, I will never forget competing in NCAA Division II Nationals in Spokane. After the success we had last year, I can’t wait to see how the rest of 2012 season unfolds for our team.

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Balancing academics, running and a social life is the most challenging part of being a student-athlete. Practice may not seem very long, but after lifting, stretching and icing, time does fly. It is important to prioritize and not let practices or meets put you behind in schoolwork.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

Time management. Balancing a social life, academics, and athletics is not an easy task. I’ve been trying to balance the three for nine years now and I’m still working on perfecting my time management skills.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My high school coach would always say, “It is ok to be nervous, but never be scared.” This simple piece of advice has gotten me through countless races over the years. I remind myself of this before stepping onto the starting line. It is important to be confident in your abilities and have no doubts. Mind over matter.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in running, what would you tell them they should focus on?

Have fun with the sport. A lot of runners tend to get caught up in the competitiveness of it all, either competing for place or for money. But I think it’s most important to remember why you run – for the love of the sport.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

When I graduate next year, I hope to leave the legacy that all Shippensburg cross country graduates have left thus far. I hope to show that by living the lifestyle, following coach Steve Spence’s plan and working together as a team, anything is possible. 

Get to Know Your Raiders: Emily Kohlbus

Emily Kohlbus saved her best for last.

The senior forward on the No. 2-ranked SU field hockey team has broken out for career highs with six goals and 15 points in her final season in a Raider uniform in 2012.

A York native, Kohlbus has started all but two games in which she’s played this season and is one of the leaders of a seven-player senior class looking to cement its legacy with a national championship this weekend.

Kohlbus, a mid-level elementary education major for grades 4-8 with a concentration in language arts, and the Raiders face off against No. 1 West Chester in the first national semifinal on Friday at 1 p.m.

Get to know Emily Kohlbus…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

The one thing I have to do before every game is have my teammate, [junior] Brynn Seidenstricker, braid my hair. No one else can braid it except for her. I'm really superstitious when it comes to certain pre-game rituals. 

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

I spent a lot of time in Starbucks – it’s my savior.

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

I really liked the Special Education class I had with Dr. David Bateman last semester. He was such an engaging and knowledgeable professor. I gained so much from his class. His class is part of the reason why I want to pursue a degree in Special Education as well as Middle Level education.

If you weren't majoring in mid-level and elementary education for grades 4-8, what would your major be?

I would probably major in Speech Therapy (which isn't offered at Ship) or something to do with computers. I consider myself a pretty tech-savvy person and I enjoy learning about technology.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Sunday, since it’s usually our only day off from field hockey. It's nice to physically be able to relax, but then again, I dedicate my Sundays to getting work done.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

Obviously Bloomsburg is our big rival and I do like playing against them. It's always an intense and physical game with them. The atmosphere just feels different when we play each other.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

I hope that my teammates would say that I am a very hard-working person on and off the field. I also think my teammates would say I am dedicated to field hockey and my team. I'm not the most vocal leader on the team so I really try to lead through my actions and I hope that my teammates see that.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

My sophomore through senior year of high school I was my team's leading scorer and I was also voted as the Most Dedicated Player twice. I was very honored to receive that award because my teammates recognized how much time and effort I put into the sport I love.

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Time management and missing class. It's always hard trying to plan weeks ahead. It can also become very stressful, especially traveling for the postseason. After a long day of classes, practice becomes my outlet and I try not to let the stress influence how I play. A lot of my classmates ask me how I do it – play field hockey as well as be an education major since education is such a time-consuming major.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

Be aware of your actions and words. As a representative of this university, people are constantly watching your every move and that's something a lot of student-athletes forget. I have also learned to never take anything for granted and that you should work hard day in and day out. If you want it, you have to earn it; nothing is given to you. 

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

I don't have a specific piece of advice I carry with me, but I try to always remind myself that there are people who don't have the opportunities that I do and how lucky I am to be playing the sport I love. This past summer I worked at a summer camp for kids with disabilities and it really changed my life. There was a boy who had leg braces because his coordination was declining and he had trouble walking for an extended period of time. He loved to run and play any sport that involved throwing a ball. This year, I think about him before every game and try to play my hardest for those who can't.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in field hockey, what would you tell them they should focus on?

Twice a week in the summer I coach girls of all ages and skill levels. Field hockey is a very frustrating sport to play, especially when you are just starting. I try to let the girls know that everything looks hard now, but with time and practice, the skills will come to you. I also try to make the summer sessions fun by playing certain games before we start drills. I would encourage the girls who are just starting out to have fun and keep working hard because anything is possible.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

I really want to leave a national championship as part of my senior class's legacy. I would also like to leave behind my work ethic and my positive attitude to set an example for athletes to come. 

 

Get to Know Your Raiders: Jeff Tomasetti

 

A reliable special teams contributor and backup quarterback, senior Jeff Tomasetti doesn’t get as much playing time as your typical captain.

But Tomasetti – a history major who’s seeking a social studies certification and a minor in coaching – was voted one of four team captains during the preseason for the inspiring leadership and raw emotion that he brings to the Red Raider football team.

The Claymont, Del., native earned his first career start at quarterback on Saturday in the Raiders’ 61-9 win over Cheyney, going 3-for-5 passing for 22 yards and carrying the ball four times for 11 yards in four drives at quarterback.

Get to know Jeff Tomasetti…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

My favorite pre-game ritual is coming out as a team and touching the rock before we take the field. 

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

I enjoy the group of people on the Shippensburg campus and in the community. They are extremely accepting and supporting and I appreciate that.

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

The best class I have taken is United States Environmental History with Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward. He brought a great energy to the classroom that was both enjoyable and challenging.

If you weren't majoring in history with a social studies certification, what would your major be?

Exercise Science.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

I love Fridays, the atmosphere the day before the game is really exciting.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

I always enjoy competing against West Chester. The games are always competitive and very physical. It forces you to play at the top of your game.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

They would probably say I always have a lot of energy and enjoy being around my teammates.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my teammates electing me as one of their captains. It is an extremely humbling honor.

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

I would have to say the 6:45 a.m. meetings everyday.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

Time management. It is so crucial to manage your academic and athletic responsibilities effectively.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My parents always stressed, "No matter what you are doing, make sure you are giving your best effort." I think that applies to every phase of my daily routine.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in football, what would you tell them they should focus on?

I would tell them to apply themselves mentally to the game. Football is a very physical sport, but without the mental toughness, it is difficult to thrive.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

I hope to leave behind a legacy that shows the athletes of Shippensburg are a determined and disciplined group of people that thrive on the field as well as in the classroom.

 

Get to Know Your Raiders: Meghan Mahon

Meghan Mahon is easy to spot on the soccer field – the junior midfielder is a master of the flip throw-in from out of bounds.

Mahon – a midlevel elementary education major for grades 4-8 with a concentration in science and language arts – also excels on the pitch, as well. She has totaled five goals and four assists in her career as she’s appeared in all but five games over the last three seasons.

A Spring Grove native, Mahon suffered a knee injury last spring but managed to recover nearly in time for this fall. She missed the first two games of the season but played in every game thereafter and scored a goal at Mansfield on Oct. 3.

Get to know Meghan Mahon…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

I always have to put my right sock on before my left. I don’t know why I do this but it always has to be done. I also tape my ring to my right ring finger or put it in my sock/shin guard.  The ring is significant of my family and I wear it at all times in honor of them.

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

The campus itself. I spend so much time there and it’s where all my hard work is displayed whether it’s on the soccer field, in the classroom or in the library. 

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

I absolutely loved Adolescent Literature with Dr. Tom Crochunis. The class was so interesting and it taught me so much about myself and why I want to someday be a middle school teacher.  Dr. Crochunis is a great professor and really taught the course well. 

If you weren't majoring in midlevel elementary education, what would your major be?

I would have really liked to be a biology major so I could do something in a medical atmosphere. The medical field really interests me.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

My favorite day of the week is GAME DAY. Just kidding, but I do love game day. I would have to say Thursday because that is my observation day for my little fourth graders at Ship Intermediate. 

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

I really enjoy competing against West Chester and East Stroudsburg. Not only are they both very intense games but also because I have played with many of the girls that play on both teams.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

I feel like they would say that I work really hard and am a positive role model on and off the field. 

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

Last spring I tore some ligaments in my knee and sat out spring season. I worked extremely hard over the summer after my surgery to get back my strength and fitness. Coming back this fall season I was in great shape and placed first in one of our fitness tests (beep test).  It was a great accomplishment and I was very proud of myself. 

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Time management, by far. It’s difficult during season because of away games and overnight trips. You tend to miss a great deal of classes, so getting homework done and being a good student is extremely difficult. 

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

As a student-athlete I’ve learned how to prioritize and realize what’s more important and less important. Being a student-athlete, “student” comes first, then “athlete.” 

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My dad used to always tell me, “No matter what, in everything you do, you give your best.” This is something that not only can relate to soccer but also to school, relationships, etc. 

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in soccer, what would you tell them they should focus on?
It’s said all the time, but focus on the aspect of soccer being “fun” and continue to have a positive attitude to improve every day.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?
I hope to leave behind the passion that I have for the game. With my career here in soccer I’ve had ups and downs but when it all comes down to it, I’m playing soccer because I simply love it.  My best friend always says to me, “Whenever you’re on the field, you’re a different person. You’re happier.”

 

Get to Know Your Raiders: Avery Coleman

A lockdown cornerback on the No. 10-ranked Shippensburg University football team, Avery Coleman has started every game for the Raiders since his first full season in 2010.

This season, the junior from Media, Pa., is fourth on the team in tackles with 44, including two for loss, despite playing from his island in the defensive backfield.

A candy fanatic and accounting major, Coleman had a career day two weeks ago at Kutztown as he intercepted the first two passes of his career, broke up another pass and posted a career-high 11 tackles in the undefeated Raiders’ 73-35 victory over the defending PSAC Champion Golden Bears.

Get to know Avery Coleman…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

Watching highlight videos of good cornerbacks from college and the NFL on YouTube, playing Temple Run on my phone and doing my pre-game handshake with junior safety Tyriq Kershaw that we’ve done every game since sophomore year of high school. 

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

I like the scenery, the mountains, back roads, farms and animals all around Ship. On campus, my favorite place is Kriner Dining Hall, especially on days when the chef is in there.

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

Any class I get an ‘A’ in is pretty good but if I had to choose, I would say Intermediate Macroeconomics with professor Hamid Bastin because I enjoyed the class discussions and learned a lot from him about more than just macroeconomics.

If you weren't majoring in accounting, what would your major be?

Economics or Spanish.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Saturday, because it’s the day when my teammates and I get to show off all our hard work from the offseason, film study and weekday practices to the Shippensburg community.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

Kutztown, West Chester, LIU Post and Bloomsburg because they, along with Ship, are the top teams in the Eastern Division and you get to see who is really good when the best play the best.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

That I work hard, that I love candy and that I talk a lot.

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

My game against Kutztown this season where I had my first 2 interceptions of my college career and had my career high in tackles. The best part about getting those interceptions was that they were off of a very good quarterback [KU’s Kevin Morton].

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Getting enough sleep with such a busy schedule. It’s tough to manage your time wisely between football, classes, studying and having a social life. 

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

Even though it might be stressful at times, appreciate every second you have to be a student-athlete because you only have a certain amount of time that you can’t get back.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

Everyone I have ever talked to that played football and doesn’t anymore tells me to cherish it while I can because it’s over before you know it and there is no going back. I try to make sure to work as hard as I can and never take for granted how great of an opportunity it is to be here at Ship doing what I love playing football and having fun with my friends. No matter how hard classes are or whatever other difficulties come up, the whole Shippensburg student-athlete experience is worth it and will stay with me forever.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in football, what would you tell them they should focus on?

Never be satisfied and always work on improving in something. It can be doing drills, lifting or watching good players to try to pick up on what they’re doing right…just try to get better as often as you can. The biggest difference between good players and great players is the effort they put in behind the scenes when nobody is paying attention.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

I want to help bring Ship football a national championship and leave here having the program known as one of the best in the country. I want the expectations for the program every year to be in the top 5-10 of the national rankings and to be in the playoffs and PSAC Championship hunt every season. I want to have game days in a crazy, packed stadium with a good college football atmosphere no matter who the team is playing against. I want to have every student on campus full of Red Raider Pride, bragging to their family and friends about how good the team is. I want to be a part of the team that started that kind of tradition for the football program. That’s how I hope my legacy ends up. 

Get to Know Your Raiders: Kayla Harshman

A senior defender on the No. 1-ranked Shippensburg University field hockey team, Kayla Harshman has earned a bit of a reputation from her teammates as a brick wall.

The Palmyra native leads the Raiders with three defensive saves this season and six total in her career. And in addition to patrolling the backlines, she’s chipped in offensively, too, totaling eight career assists and scoring her first career goal earlier this season at East Stroudsburg.

But in her final season, Harshman – a mathematics major with a concentration in statistics – has one final item that remains unchecked on her list of athletic accomplishments: a national championship.

Get to know Kayla Harshman…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

Before big games while we are in the locker room, one of our assistant coaches will come in and read us a visualization script. It allows us to relax and visualize the things that we are going to do well that game. It also helps relieve us from nerves and focus on what we are going to do well during the game that day. 

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

I most enjoy the town of Shippensburg itself. When I am on my way back to Ship after being away for a while, it is always nice when I finally see that Shippensburg University, King St. exit sign. Shippensburg has become like a second home for me and it is always relaxing to finally arrive back in this small town. 

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

I would have to say my Observational Behavior class this semester. Dr. Hargrove really gets to know each of us individually and allows us to understand the concepts within the class by relating them to our individual lives, whether it is the sports we play or the clubs we are in. He also challenges us in groups and pushes us to work hard and understand concepts in our own way. 

If you weren't majoring in mathematics, what would your major be?

Probably something related to business. I have been taking a few business minor classes for my major and I have really enjoyed the professors and the concepts involved in these courses. 

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

My favorite day of the week is Friday, especially during season. On Fridays after practice, we get together and have team bonding nights to focus on sticking together as a team to help us in our game the next day. 

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

Bloomsburg and West Chester are my two favorite teams to play. They are our biggest rivals and they push us to play our best. Before big games like these you can always feel the excitement throughout the team, and after beating teams like West Chester and Bloomsburg you get the best feeling of satisfaction. 

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

This year my teammates have been calling me "brick wall." Being one of the smallest defenders in the PSAC they always say I'm the smallest brick wall they've ever seen but they trust me 100 percent when an opponent is coming down the field. I also think they would say that I am the type of person that always tries to keep a smile on everyone's face. I try to keep the energy positive at all times and help my teammates keep their spirits up. 

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

One of my greatest athletic accomplishments in high school was making the Patriot News Big 11 team my senior year of high school. I battled an ACL injury in the middle of my senior year, but still managed to finish the season wearing a brace. It was a great accomplishment to be able to still make huge all-star teams even with a torn ACL and I was blessed to be able to finish out my senior year. 

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Time management is very difficult being a student-athlete. You have to be able to keep up with your studies and still manage to get enough rest in order to compete at a high level in games and practice. It can become very stressful with all of the work and exams in-between games and practice, so you really have to manage your time and try to get work done ahead of time.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My older sister is a high school coach at my high school and she used to always say, "Don't get bitter, get better," and it always stuck with me. After hard games or even losses you have to be willing to get better and not dwell on the past. She always gives me the best advice when I am struggling with hockey or with school and she has really allowed me to keep pushing through everything and keep doing my best no matter what obstacles come my way. 

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in field hockey, what would you tell them they should focus on?

Have fun, especially at a young age. I coach a lot of hockey camps for young children and it's incredible to just see the children having fun no matter what their skill level is. You gain love for the game at a young age when you just have fun with it and allow yourself to improve by playing as much as you can and having a great time while doing it. 

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

I would love to finally win a national championship in my senior season and have our class remembered for years to come. 

Get to Know Your Raiders: Lauren Murphy

Shippensburg University women’s volleyball libero Lauren Murphy – otherwise known as “Teacher Murph” to her teammates – leads the Raiders with 401 digs this season and is just 76 short of setting a new career high in her senior season.

But when she’s not using her forearms to set up her teammates on the volleyball court, Murphy is working toward her degree in midlevel elementary education for grades 4-8 with concentrations in science and language arts.

A 2011 PSAC Scholar Athlete, Murphy – who can often be spotted in the classroom, in Heiges Field House or in Starbucks – is currently fourth all-time in school history with 1,365 career digs.

Get to know Lauren Murphy…

What is your favorite pre-game ritual?

Team dinners with the team and team huddles before the first whistle.

What part of Shippensburg, either the campus or the town, do you most enjoy?

Heiges Field House on game days. It's where I've worked the hardest and where I get to perform at my best. Starbucks, too, because it's delicious and I might have a minor addiction to it. My teammate Andrea Heimsoth and I go there on a regular basis.

What is the best class you've taken at Shippensburg?

Classes for my major because they are very interactive and fun to be in. I think that learning is all about being actively engaged and sparking interest and most of my major classes do that so I enjoy going to them. Plus, most of my professors are very fun and interesting to learn from so that makes a huge difference.

If you weren't majoring in mid-level education, what would your major be?

Something related to counseling children or working with children. I think that is the best scenario for me because I enjoy learning from them and watching the kids grow and learn. I think that being some type of counselor or social worker that deals with children would be fun. Or I would do something completely different and want to do something around sports. Maybe like athletic training or something along those lines.

What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Sunday because it's a day for me. I can take a break from the hectic week schedule and just focus on me and catch up and do whatever I want. I need Sundays in my week because I might just go crazy without them. Plus it's usually a day where delicious food is involved and some type of athletic event is on television or where shopping is a must. Sundays are the perfect days.

Which are your favorite PSAC schools to compete against, and why?

Lock Haven, simply because it's always a tough game. It's a battle to see who will win and I like the competition. Every year it's a fight with LHU to get the win and the challenge of beating them is the most enjoyable part of the game. Mercyhurst, too, because my good friend [Kiera Rebert] from my high school club team plays there and it's always fun to play against old teammates. It's business as usual on the court and then after the game it's great to catch up and see how she's been doing.

If we asked your teammates to say a few words about you, what do you think they would say?

I think that if you asked them to describe "Lauren" they would all look at you in a confused way and refer to me as "Murph." Most of my teammates forget that my first name is Lauren. I think that they would say that I work hard in the gym and that I am fun to be around (or at least I would hope so). They would also say something along the lines about how I want to become a teacher. They often refer to me as "Teacher Murph."

Which individual athletic accomplishment are you most proud of?

Playing in college. It was always a goal of mine to play a sport in college. For most of my life I thought it would be soccer, but then I fell in love with volleyball and decided to try to play that in college. It took years of practices, running, games, tournaments and traveling to get here and now I'm in my senior year.

What's the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?

Time. It always seems like I'm running somewhere to meet with someone or to go to class or to go to practice. Time management is a must for student-athletes and it never really gets any easier. There will always be days where the stress level is sky high, but that's when you go to practice and forget about the world for a few hours. I don't think people really understand the life of a student-athlete. Most people only see the uniforms and the warm-ups and all of the positive stuff. But what they don't see is all of the hard work, sweat, time, stress and effort that go into each day. While most students go relax after class and see their friends, student-athletes are going to practice or traveling to a game. Time never slows down for anyone, and athletes have to get really good at managing time and making it all work.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned being a student-athlete?

Time management, persistence and confidence. I have become very good at knowing when assignments are due and getting them done before they are due because I have to. I have to know my academic schedules and my athletic schedule and I have to make them both work together. It takes a lot of practice and time to organize this much but once everything fits together, life becomes a little easier. Persistence because no one will ever be "perfect," and in the game of volleyball it's all about mistakes. The team that makes the least amount of mistakes wins. But the persistent team will win as well. It’s okay to make mistakes, it’s how you handle them that makes the difference. Volleyball has taught me a lot about mistakes. I usually do not like making mistakes at all, on or off the court. But I have learned through playing that if I have confidence in myself and never give up, then I can prevail.

What piece of advice stays with you at all times?

My dad is always up for giving advice. But one of the best pieces of advice that he has given me is to look at the big picture. He is always telling me to look beyond what's right in front of me. I tend to get stressed out very easily and when I think of this advice I begin to become less stressed. I think about what is happening right now, and usually it's nothing as horrible as I am making it out to be. Then I picture the bigger situation that is going on like where this will take me and what I want to look back on and remember. He always tells me this for volleyball. He always says that if I have a bad game or a bad practice that’s okay, I usually am very hard on myself as a player. Then he says to look at the bigger scheme of things and think about how 20 years from now I will only remember the great games and my second family, my team. I carry this advice with me on and off of the court, everywhere I go.

If you could talk to children who are just beginning to show an interest in volleyball, what would you tell them they should focus on?

The basics. Everyone wants to get right into playing but you cannot play if you don't have the basics. I coach a high school club team and my girls hate doing ball control and basic stuff during practices; all they want to do is play. But without practicing the basics of the sport, you'll have nothing to base off of and during a game things will go haywire. I would also encourage them to not get discouraged at first. Volleyball is a hard sport to learn to play and it takes time. I'm still learning and I'm a senior in college.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future athletes at Shippensburg?

Just hard work and representing my school and team well. Ship has a great reputation in athletics and I want to be able to uphold that reputation.