Recruiting has been quite a different process during the pandemic but four Shawnee student-athlete has successfully maneuvered their way through the process to sign letters of intent to play at the next level Wednesday.
Perhaps the most interesting road taken was by Shalon McNeal who will be attending Howard University to play softball. Because of COVID-19, the Shawnee senior did not get to really showcase her talents during the regular season so she had to rely on her past accomplishments and efforts in a summer league.
“It was just about finding the right timing,” McNeal said. “Throughout Covid, the whole recruiting process was crazy so just finding coach (Tori) Tyson and being able to speak with her and how much she wanted me and how much the program was going to grow was just one thing that made me go there. “
Playing on a travel team McNeal, who plans on entering the medical profession, competed in Texas and Oklahoma to show off her skills and they live-streamed the games that helped with the recruitment.
McNeal did not get the opportunity to visit Howard but did a virtual tour to get a feel for the campus.
Tyson Elwer, who committed to St. Francis University to play basketball in November, made it official and is excited to continue is playing on the hardwood.
“I talked to their coaches a couple of times during the AAU season in June and July and just really liked how they felt and then we went in December or January and I just felt at home there,” Elwer said.
Two soccer players, Carter Jensen and Landon Hoehn will soon be adversaries on the pitch as both signed letters to play with different Ohio Athletic Conference clubs. Jensen is heading to Ohio Northern University and Hoehn will be going to Capital University.
“I went to Capital on a visit and the coach was super friendly and I really liked the work ethic that the soccer team had,” said Hoehn, who will be studying exercise science and athletic training. “They had an excellent program for me and it was a perfect fit for me.”
“I chose ONU because the soccer program has been excellent over the years,” said Jensen, who plans on going into business. “It is always a positive culture there.”
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