WASHINGTON (August 17, 2022) – Howard University Department of Athletics Senior Spotlight series continues with another graduate edition, featuring Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Champion
Shayna Swanson (Sammamish, Wash.) from the softball team, who was interviewed by
Greg Jones.
Q: What will you miss about Howard after graduation?
A: I will miss my teammates and friends because the community really makes the school.
Q: What was your favorite moment at Howard?
A: My favorite moments were winning the MEAC Championship and going to the NCAA Regionals because that was our goal and we knew it was possible. It was really awesome going to regionals and playing against high caliber teams like Florida State and Mississippi State.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I will be attending law school at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Q: What advice would they give a future Bison?
A: My advice would be to get involved, whether it's finding an art collective on campus or joining a club or intramural team, it would be a great way to meet people. It's a little bit less overwhelming than the party scenes. I really enjoyed meeting people through common interest related clubs and associations.
Q: When did you start playing softball?
A: I started playing competitively when I was 11 years old, but I grew up playing tee-ball at five years old.
Q: What are some obstacles you faced throughout your collegiate career and how did you overcome them?
A: For me, some obstacles I faced throughout my career is holding on to perseverance. Your "why" to keep going is a challenge itself. You must find perseverance for the love of the game.
Q: How do you ease your mind and prepare mentally for softball games?
A: I'm still learning (lol). Throughout your life, your coping mechanisms change over time. I always focus on good, deep breaths while trying to remember the stable and constant people in my life that I love. For me, realizing that is more important than anything else.
Q: What figures have inspired you throughout your softball career?
A:
Shawna Wright (former catcher at the University of Washington) because she coached me for three years before coming to Howard. If I ever decided to coach, she was my example because she was powerful, cool, calm and collective. It was really inspiring to see somebody approach leadership in such a different way.
Q: Do you plan on continuing your softball career after college?
A: I do not plan on continuing my softball career.
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career?
A: I am proud of my team winning the MEAC Championship and making the NCAA Regionals. Although I was never the standout player, I always prided myself on being a great teammate and being the best role. Even though I didn't get a lot of tangible or statistical awards, I hold onto the moments where my teammates and coaches recognized my role, supporting the team and being a good teammate. Those are the awards I hold closest to me.
About Swanson
- Personal:
- Hometown: Sammamish, Washington
- Academic:
- MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team
- NFCA Scholar All-America Team
- Athletic:
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
