Ever wonder what it’s like to be a member of Conn’s women’s volleyball team? (Hint: sure, you have). Well, lucky for you, I bribed Sarah Shankel ’14 with Fiber One bars and Special K cereal to share some information with me about her life on and off the court. It also helped that she is my roommate.
Okay, champ, let’s start with a basic question: What does it mean to you to be a member of this fine team?
It’s pretty B-awesome, as in beyond awesome. They’re the coolest kids ever. We work really hard. 7 AM lift? Check. Our goal has always been to be NESCAC champions, so we hope to accomplish that this year.
How did it feel to score the winning match point against Williams?
Oh, just super. Actually, I wasn’t really aware of the score. I don’t like to watch the score because it will make you go crazy, especially in the fifth game. It’s too nerve-racking. I play it cool like a polar bear.
What’s a typical day for you like?
Well, I like to keep my day packed full of excitement. Kicking it off with a nine o’clock class, struggling to stay awake. Followed by yet another class where I, again, struggle to stay awake and wonder why I created my schedule as such. Then, I grab a quick bite to eat for lunch and go back to my room and do homework while having overwhelming feeling of “God I have so many friends,” as I sit by myself. Then I go to practice, followed by dinner with the fabulous Lady Camels. After dinner is really when the fun starts where I do more homework. Then I crawl up with my dinosaur blanket and go to bed. Try not to be jealous.
With six games left, two of which are conference games before the NESCAC finals, how do you think the team is doing? Where do you see the Camels headed in the next few weeks?
I think we’re doing pretty well. We let a few games slip that we probably shouldn’t have, but I think we’re progressing well as the season goes on. We continue to work hard and I see us as being very successful within the NESCAC.
How do you physically and mentally prepare for a game?
To mentally prepare, I usually go over the scouting report and jam out to some Enrique Iglesias. To physically prepare, I run and go through the team warm-up.
Do you have any notable nicknames?
Oh, so many. Basically any variation of Shankel: Shank, Shanks, Shanky, Shankadoodle, Shanky Wanky (don’t like that one; I disapprove), Shankanator (that one makes me feel fierce; has a bit of Arnie in it), Southpaw, Red (for obvious reasons), Ginge, Gingy and straight-up Ginger. I think that’s covered them all. It’s a little overwhelming how many names I have. It’s like I have twenty identities…like Jason Bourne.
I’m well aware of your lack of coordination. How many times a day on average would you say you fall?
I don’t fall. I gracefully stumble into things.
What is your favorite pair of athletic shorts?
Black Nike running shorts; Reeboks are posers.
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Special K Vanilla Almond with one percent milk. Two percent is too much; I need to maintain my boyish figure.
What do you do in your spare time (if you ever have any)?
I contemplate how to get Enrique [Iglesias] to be my Spanish tutor. I also like to run- a lot. Watch The Office, some Modern Family or Community if I’m feeling it. Back home, I would box, lots of boxing, rock climb, salsa dance, swing dance, play some cops and robbers — the legit kind, none of that nonsense like children running around a playground. I also struggle to learn how to longboard. And, no, just because I’m from Colorado doesn’t mean I like to ski.
What do you have against skiing?
Skiing is like being in a very cold, miserable place with your feet glued to two sticks. Oh, wait, that is skiing. But props to all who do it.
What are you going to do with your life once volleyball is over for the season?
Probably take up professional sandcastle building. It’s always been a dream of mine.
