OAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month, December 2012: Shannon Quinn

   
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As a libero for the Capital University volleyball team, senior Shannon Quinn may have never received the accolades and attention that come with being a front row player, but she certainly carved her own reputation as one of the top back row players in the region.

The numbers alone back it up – Quinn, a Miamisburg, Ohio, native, finished as the NCAA Division III leader with 6.73 digs per set. Quinn was also named second team All-Ohio Athletic Conference following the season after helping the Crusaders rank 13th as a team in digs per set.

"You're not a libero for the glory," Quinn said. "I've always been helping others get success. No one watches the back row … the kills are the focus. But one of my favorite things has always been taking kills away, which frustrates our opponents."

For all of her on-court success, she has been equally impressive off it. An integrated science education major with a physics focus, Quinn currently carries a 3.69 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and was named 2011 Academic All-OAC. She's expected to earn the honor again in 2012.

With that combination of success in athletics and academics, Quinn has earned OAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month honors for December. Jessica Stoltz '12, a member of the Capital softball team, was the last Crusader to garner the accolade.

Quinn, who recently wrapped up her four-year career on the team, said the support of her teammates and coaches have allowed her to produce a multitude of achievements.

"My teammates have pushed me, and Coach (Pam) Briggs has put her faith in me over the last four years," Quinn said. "Having Coach Briggs and my teammates here helped me excel. It wouldn't have been the same year without them."

Quinn said she didn't realize her standing among the nation's leaders in digs per set until about midway through the season, when she said one of her teammates pointed it out in a game program prior to a match at the Capital Center.

Through matches of Sept. 16, Quinn ranked 15th, but then jumped to third after a strong weekend at Transylvania (Ky.), where she posted more than 40 digs in two different contests. Quinn climbed to second through games of Sept. 30, then took the lead for good on Oct. 7 after a 43-dig performance against NCAA qualifier Heidelberg.

"When I'm given an opportunity in a pressure situation, I want to succeed, I want to compete," Quinn said. "I didn't know how I ranked compared to others, but when I heard I was third, I wasn't satisfied. It was interesting to see how it played out during the season … I think the team's defense picked up in general."

In addition to her major, Quinn has minors in mathematics and physics. She decided early in her career that she would pursue a career in math and science, and chose integrated science education to make herself more marketable by being able to teach any science subject.

Quinn's focus in and out of volleyball season is her academics, the priority instilled in her by Briggs, who just finished her 20th season as head coach.

"You have to prioritize with less time, and Coach Briggs' emphasis is always on our grades," Quinn said. "I put myself into a situation where I try to push myself to go farther in every aspect of my life."

Quinn said it's important for any student-athlete to talk to their professors or instructors to let them know you're fully dedicated to making your busy schedule work. She also noted the importance of scheduling and planning ahead.

"Planning is never an easy thing, but you have to stay on top of your work," Quinn said. "It's tough to miss time, but professors appreciate it when you set up time to make up an exam. You have to be willing to work hard, and it can be a positive experience."

Quinn, who also serves as a resident assistant and an academic success tutor on campus, will graduate in May. She hopes to find a job as a science teacher.

Quinn is unafraid of whatever tests await her following graduation.

"I love anything where I can be challenged," she said.