Jane Shanahan '20 Recruiting Profile

Field hockey is a sport that keeps teaching me more about myself. I love playing this sport for my high school,  John Burroughs, and club team, Gateway. I have learned from playing only as a team with grit, heart, and confidence we would go far. It is not the statistics or the end of season record that defines you.

This past high school season, we had many close games defensively. I felt I had an important responsibility to lead my team through the ups and downs of our season’s wins and losses. We continued to adapt and improve as a team with every minute on the field together and were a competitive force in our state, finishing in the Elite 8.

I apply this experience to my game and every practice. I am not one to give up, going for every ball, leaving everything on the field. My coaches often describe me as a girl with “a lot of heart” and the one who “plays with joy.” My coachability enables me to pick up any position, and I have moved from midfield to defense. Even though I do not have as many opportunities for scoring or have the "glory" stats, I show my strength through precision and capitalizing on key moments in the circle. Communication is very important in my play, and as a defender, I see the whole field. I continually scan the field for opportunities where I can create perfect passes and support my teammates. I know they depend on me on the back line, and do not want to let them down.

Most importantly, I am always up for a challenge, and use my hard work ethic to push myself. I attend an academically demanding school, and am comfortable balancing sports, family, work, and friends. I know how to feel pressure, and it drives me to work my hardest to achieve my goals. I am looking for a school where I can challenge myself academically, along with a great program to continue my love for field hockey!