Shannon Walisch Brings Championship Experience to UT
In just three seasons, Shannon Walisch has made a name for herself in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) as a premier defender. The Palm Harbor, Fla., native has been awarded accolades at every point in her soccer career.
The women's soccer team is currently leading the SSC with an overall record of 10-3 and 5-1 in the SSC as Walisch is a main ingredient in the team's success.
During her career at UT, Walisch has been awarded with second-team all-SSC, Daktronics first-team all-South Region, NSCAA second-team all-South Region, SSC Defensive Player of the Week (10/17/11) and SSC Defensive Player of the Week (9/4/12) accolades.
As a sophomore she played 2,077 minutes, which is every minute of every game of the season. Her success at UT has been foreshadowed with winning two state titles during her high school career, as both were won at Pepin Stadium.
The smaller size campus is one of Walisch's favorite parts about UT, it is easier to meet her peers and create friendships, it makes for a closer community. Walisch is majoring in allied health at UT. In high school, she volunteered over 200 hours in a hospital, which has supplemented her goal to become a nurse after UT.
Superstition is a key part to every athlete and Walisch is no different. Before warming up she kisses her blessed rock, always tapes her socks the same way and applies icy hot in the same places. Her favorite artists to listen to prior to games are Wiz Khalifa and Drake. Routine is vital to her success on the field.
Being a premier defender has taught Walisch how to keep her teammates organized on the field. Being the last defender on the field her mission is to keep her teammates focused and ready to prevent the opponent from scoring.
As a student-athlete, she has been molded into the person she is today. She has developed organizational skills, time management and a hard work ethic that she will apply to her career.
When Walisch is not on the field or studying for her classes, she can be found with a fishing pole in her hand. She enjoys going out on a boat and fishing with her friends, as well as traveling to Queens, N.Y., to visit her family.
In this 2012 season, the team has started strong with leading the SSC at 5-1 and has hopes of adding another SSC trophy to the record books. The returning players and the new players have meshed well together and it has shown on the field.
At one point in her career, Walisch debated about continuing to compete in collegiate athletics. Her persistent support system and her long time mentor; Gerry Lucey convinced her that she would miss soccer and being a part of a team.
"Gerry (Lucey) was one of the reasons I attended UT" states Walisch. Having known Lucey for 10 years prior to UT, it was hard to resist his offer to play here at UT.
The connections with her teammates have increased the team's success. Prior to UT, Walisch played club with current teammate Megan Lawrence and also high school soccer with Cina Salemi.
Walisch believes that the team has a great chance to make it deep into post season. "As long as the new players grow into their positions and know their roles" the team will be successful. If everyone truly wants to win and keeps working hard then they will achieve the ultimate goal; winning a national championship and the ring.
Written by Julia Morrow