Kathryn Shanahan '21 Recruiting Profile

Hi Coaches! My name is Kathryn Shanahan and I am a 2021 Libero/DS. I've been playing competitive volleyball since seventh grade and every time I step on the court, I love the sport even more (if that's even possible)! From the start, I knew I wanted to play at the highest level possible and ever since, I have worked extremely hard to get there. 

Throughout the years, although my skills and technique have evolved, one thing has remained constant: my mentality. I have always, always been a "the ball never hits the floor" type of player and I pride myself in my work ethic and mind set. Once COVID-19 hit and volleyball was temporarily shut down, I didn't let that stop me from improving every day. Each day I did strength and conditioning work outs at home combined with a volleyball workout that my dad  was able to help me with. I was very fortunate to have someone who was willing to work with me to continue my progress, even though volleyball is not his expertise. Since resuming volleyball on the court in a more traditional sense, I have a heightened appreciation for the game and all that it has brought me. 

The most exciting thing to me about this sport is how it brings people together to achieve a common goal. Volleyball is undoubtedly the most social sport and success is only found when you work together with the people to your left and right. In other sports, it's possible for one player to "carry" the team to success, however, what I've found in volleyball is that each player needs the other in order to get the job done. My favorite thing about the sport is mentally being able to challenge hitters on the other side to keep pounding balls at me when I get those impossible digs. 

Volleyball has changed my life completely, I have made lifelong friends from my teammates and I've been connected to players throughout the country through camps and tournaments which is super unique. Through this experience, I've also become a coach and role model for the younger players at my club. For the past two years, I have spent four days a week coaching the kids in my community and I've found so much joy watching them progress. To me, volleyball has become more than just a sport: it is my passion.