WBK | A Conversation With SMC Senior Shannon Mauldin
7/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
MORAGA, Calif. -- Last fall, Shannon Mauldin was looking forward to her senior season as a preseason all-conference guard on the Saint Mary's women's basketball team. Unfortunately, she suffered an injury early in the year and was forced to miss the rest of the season.
Due to the injury occuring so early in the season, Shannon earned an additional year of eligibility and is determined to make an impact as a fifth-year senior leader for the Gaels.
Recently, the Emeryville native sat down to answer a few question for SMCGaels.com about her injury, the team and the coaching staff.
Season tickets are currently on sale through the SMC Athletic Ticket Office online at SMCGaels.com or by calling (925) 631-GoTx (4689) during business hours. Single game tickets will go on sale in late September, once the team's schedule is confirmed.
Q: You sat out the year last year after suffering an injury early in the season. After earning preseason all-WCC honors, how difficult was it to watch the team and not be able to contribute?
A: "At first it was extremely difficult. I used to think that the only way I could contribute was if I was suited up and on the floor. But then I realized that there were many other ways I could actively participate. Something as simple as talking and getting your voice heard was something I really took advantage of and I could tell it added an extra dynamic to the team."
Q: What are your personal goals going into this season – both on and off the court?
A: "My goal is to come back stronger than I was before. I am blessed with the opportunity to get another shot at this senior year thing and I want to give it my all. These group of girls are nothing short of amazing and I want to make them proud."
Q: Can you describe the camaraderie and personality of your team?
A: "These girls are such a joy to be around. They each offer something unique to the team and there is never a dull moment...believe me!"
Q: What are the expectations of the team heading into fall practice?
A: "Right now we are working on holding ourselves and each other to higher standards. We have some major goals in mind and the only way to achieve those goals is if we hold ourselves and each other accountable."
Q: Since it is currently the middle of summer vacation, how important is getting a break before school begins to your preparation for the long season ahead?
A: "Life is about balance, and taking a break is extremely important in anything that you do. The season is very long and very taxing on your body that is why summer has been so nice because it gives you time to slow down and relax your mind and body."
Q: Looking back, why did you originally choose to attend Saint Mary's?
A: "I chose Saint Mary's for two reasons. The first being that it was so close to home. Being a girl from the Bay Area I am used to being in diverse settings and amongst people from various backgrounds/cultures and I did not want to let that go. The second reason was because my sister, Danielle, went here and I got the opportunity to play with her for two years."
Q: What is your favorite thing about Saint Mary's?
A: "My favorite thing about Saint Mary's is how beautiful the campus is. I've never seen a school so beautiful all year round!"
Q: What are some of your interests outside of basketball?
A: "Outside of basketball I enjoy acting and theater. Last year I was in one of the senior project plays "To Be Honest" by Cabrilla Reyes and Kentaley McCurdy. At first it was pretty nerve racking because I had never felt so vulnerable, but the more I got into character the more comfortable I began to feel."
Q: Since you are interested in acting, what is the most recent movie you watched?
A: "I recently saw Creed for the first time and I really enjoyed it. Kind of serious but really inspiring."
Q: You are fortunate to play for a strong coaching staff. Tell us a little about them.
A: "The Coaches each offer something unique to the team. Coach Thomas's wisdom, combined with Coach Tracy's passion, accompanied with Coach Allyson strategy, and Coach Lisa's wit - they all offer something extremely valuable to the team. Not to mention all the hard work our trainer Jennifer O'Hara and strength and conditioning Coach Shane Connolly put in to help our team reach our highest potential."
Q: What is your big sis up to these days?
A: "Danielle is living the life! She is traveling, constantly working out, and is the assistant basketball coach at Diablo Valley College."
Q: What is your favorite women's hoops moment (so far) from your four years on the team?
A: "My favorite memory was when we were at the WCC tournament and we were playing against University of San Diego and were down by over 20 points and we came back to win the game."
FOLLOW ALONG
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