Student-Athlete Spotlight: Shannon Cruz
1/21/2015 9:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country, Women's Outdoor Track and Field, Women's Indoor Track and Field
Shannon Cruz finished her sophomore season with the Millersville women's cross country team in the fall and is currently competing with the track and field team. A native of Lancaster, Pa., is a two-time All-PSAC recipient in cross country and was named All-PSAC for the 10,000-meter run at last season's PSAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
What is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the SMC. It's where I get a lot of work done and spend my free time.
Who is your favorite professor/class?
My favorite professor my freshman year was Ben Cunningham. I had him for all four of the introduction art courses. I gained a lot of new information and had a great time learning and exploring new mediums in art.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose to be an art education major because I adored my art teacher in elementary school and wanted to be just like her when I grew up.
Why did you choose Millersville?
I chose Millersville because I did not want to be far from home, plus Millersville has a great Art and Education department. I also knew it was going to be the perfect fit when I met my cross-country/track coach and team.
What is a day in the life of a student-athlete?
There is practically no time to mess around, especially since my sport has three seasons. I attend all my classes, make sure I get breakfast and lunch, study outside of class, attend practice, then eat dinner with the team.
How has playing sports at Millersville changed you as an individual?
Participating in a sport in college has been a rewarding experience thus far. I've had to make big decisions, and have overcome huge lifestyle changes through becoming a collegiate athlete.
What has been the most rewarding community service project?
Helping out at our team's kids' run, jump and throw clinic
What is your favorite sports team?
My favorite sports team in the NFL is the Miami, Dolphins. My favorite sports team in MLB is the Philadelphia Phillies.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Galen Rupp! He's sooooooo fast. He has a silver medal in the 10,000 meter race at the summer Olympics in 2012. Rupp also is the current American record holder for the 10,000 meter race along with the 3,000 meter indoor race, two mile race, and the 5,000 meter race.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory of the 2013-2014 school year has to be our track and field team coming in 3rd place at the PSAC Conference Championship.
Who do you most admire?
I admire my mom the most. She's my best friend. I look up to her and want to be just as successful as she is. She works so hard and makes everyone happy. She does an incredible job raising my family. She is so involved in my life and tries to make it a point to get to all my races. I love her so much.
What is the greatest risk you've ever taken?
I have no idea what the greatest risk I have taken is, but I love this quote: "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
Where will you be in 10 years?
Hopefully I will be in the next chapter of my life teaching an elementary schools art class and starting a family of my own.
What is the most significant challenge you've overcome?
An eating disorder in high school
Best piece of advice you've received?
The best piece of advice I have received is to trust in my training and take care of myself throughout the season (year).
What is your favorite place you've visited/vacationed?
My favorite place to visit and vacation is Fort Lauderdale, Florida where I lived when I was younger.
The one thing you cannot live without?
Coffee!
What hobby or ability might we not know you have?
I really enjoy sewing and making jewelry.
What is at the top of your "bucket list?"
Probably to run a marathon (...go figure).
What is your favorite TV show?
GREY'S ANATOMY, BY FAR
What is your favorite movie?
Kind of weird but Jurassic Park OR I guess any romantic comedy, haha
Who is your favorite band/artist and have you seen them live?
Katy Perry and no, I haven't seen her live
What is your favorite meal?
My mom's chicken parmesan ((no one else's though))
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
Distance
/ Women's Indoor Track and Field3x PSAC Champ Hannah Woelfling and Coach B talk about the record-setting performance
Thursday, May 11
PSAC Track & Field Championships Preview with Coach Andy Young
Thursday, May 11
Highlights: 40th Millersville Metrics
Tuesday, April 04
Highlights: Millersville's PSAC Track & Field Championships
Monday, May 16
