Being a student-athlete is very difficult, especially in college. Trying to balance homework, classes, practice and a social life can seem impossible. One student who makes that look easy is Molly Shannon. Shannon is a senior working toward her degree in sports management.
“As an athlete, there is not a lot of time to do your work but when you have the time or make the time, you have to utilize every second,” said Shannon.
Shannon is a right-side hitter for the Campbellsville University’s women’s volleyball team and director of volleyball operations for the men’s volleyball team. This season, Shannon has earned both 1,000 digs and 1,000 kills, earning her name two more times on the wall of Gosser gymnasium. Gosser gymnasium has become almost a second home for Shannon.
“This season has been one of the tougher scheduling seasons for me,” she said. “I am finishing my degree, so I have all my big classes, and we have a lot more on our volleyball schedule. I also help our men’s team, so my day starts early and ends late.”
In 2022, Shannon earned the NAIA All-American, an award given to the most outstanding athletes in the various sports where the program is active, Mid-south Conference Player of the Year and Academic All Mid-South Conference, awarded to students who maintained over 3.25, which she also earned in 2023.
One thing that really helps Shannon work the countless hours she does is her family. Her parents make it to every game they can. They drove down to meet the team in Florida for a tournament and later in Louisiana for another.
“My family is my biggest motivation,” she said. “They have invested so much of their time and money to help me achieve my dream of being a student-athlete in college.”
Shannon shared some words of encouragement for CU students, especially for CU’s student-athletes.
“One thing I want to share is that progress comes in many shapes and sizes. There are days when you won’t be able to give 100% of your effort and that is okay because even giving 1% is progress. Waking up each day, getting ready, and performing isn’t always the easiest thing to do. By doing those tasks you are already making progress, and you are strong. No matter what anyone says, every day you get up and choose to keep going you are stronger than you were yesterday.”
