Shannon Swierat '15 Recruiting Profile

Hi, my name is Shannon Swierat. I’m a senior student-athlete at Adirondack High School in Boonville, New York. In the classroom, I have pushed myself every year, participating in higher level classes since 8th grade. Senior year is no exception as I will be taking 2 AP classes, and my third college level class. I would really like to graduate in the top 10 of my class and exceed my current 92.0 GPA. On top of these classes, I also participate in Girls Athletic Association, Varsity Club, Spanish Club, Band, Prom Committee, and Class of 2015. I’m also a member of Math Honor Society and National Honor Society which also do many things to help the community as well.  In my community, I volunteer at my church as an altar server, help out at the Boonville/Oneida County Fair, volunteer as a waiter at a ham dinner at a local VFW annually and watch children at the Forestport Elementary PTA meetings.

As the athlete in “student-athlete”, I’ve participated in 3 sports year round. Since 8th grade I’ve been running Cross Country and since 7th grade I’ve been playing Volleyball and running Track and Field. I have been named a scholar athlete for all three sports, and an All-Star in Cross Country and Track (making it to Sectionals in both).

Participating in sports has taught me a lot about myself and the kind of person I really want to be. The aspect of being part of a team has given me the humility that everyone needs. Knowing that you are here to benefit yourself yes, but most importantly to give your all to help the team.  It has also taught me the difference between a true athlete and people that just play sports; a true athlete makes sacrifices on and off the court/field to be the best they can possibly be. This makes me aspire to be a true athlete.

When it comes to Volleyball, there is nothing in the world that compares to setting foot out on the court to play. It is my escape from the world around me.  While I’m out there playing, and in the zone, nothing else matters. Whether I had a bad day or I just want to have fun, volleyball is always there and I have never had something in my life that is able to completely take me away like volleyball can. That being said, I know that college (AKA the next step of my life) would not be the same without volleyball. As a player I am extremely dedicated to the sport, in and out of season, its volleyball, volleyball, volleyball.  I’ve been to volleyball camps every summer and have had a private session with a former college player who is now an assistant college volleyball coach. This past year I have been a member of Stamford Volleyball Association Club 17U Volleyball team, placing 3rd at the IREVA Regional tournament in Huguenot, New York.  My junior year (2014) I was also named my high school teams Most Dedicated Player. Besides being dedicated, I also try my best to lead the team when I can. If we’re down in a match, I’m always trying to encourage everyone to get the next one and to push on.  I also like to think I’m pretty coachable; I take what a coach says and try to do it to the best of my ability. 
Thank you for taking the time to read this!