Sachem East freshman Kristen Shanahan has verbally committed to play lacrosse at the University of Notre Dame.
She comes from a long line of Sachem student-athletes who have represented the school district proudly on and off the field.
We spoke with Shanahan recently about her verbal commitment, future aspirations and what Sachem means to her!
What’s it like to make a college commitment so early in your high school career?
Kristen: “Although some people may think it’s a relief to commit early, for me I was confident in my decision and relief wasn’t the feeling – it was excitement. There were times when the process was stressful, but there was only excitement when I verbally committed to play lacrosse and continue my education at the University of Notre Dame.”
Where else were you considering? Why Notre Dame?
Kristen: “I knew Notre Dame was the right place for me. I had the opportunity to visit the campus and meet the coaching staff. The school itself is an amazing place. It has so much history and tradition with outstanding academic opportunities. I also loved the coaching staff. I had the opportunity to visit several other schools and talk with the coaching staff from other lacrosse programs. It was fun visiting all the schools. Other schools that I was considering were University of Florida, Northwestern, UPenn, Stanford, University of Louisville, Hofstra and JMU.”
What are you looking to achieve this year and beyond?
Kristen: “This has been an exciting year for me at Sachem East. As a freshman, this is my first year being in the high school with my teammates. In seventh and eighth grade I played on the varsity team for field hockey and lacrosse. This year I feel even more a part of the team and Sachem East. I want to continue to grow as a player and work with my team and the coaches to advance further into playoffs. I plan to work hard in my classes and strive to be the best student I can be.”
You come from a long line of successful Shanahan student-athletes. Talk about that.
Kristen: “I look forward to continue to wear the number 26 in both field hockey and lacrosse. The number 26 was worn by many family members who graduated from Sachem. My older sister Kaitlyn, who is now at Hofstra, and my older brother Kyle, who is at UMASS Lowell, also both wore the number 26. Being able to wear the number 26 and carry on the tradition of the Shanahan name is very important to me.”
What does Sachem mean to you?
Kristen: “I am proud to be attending Sachem East high school and represent Sachem on the lacrosse and field hockey teams. Sachem has taught me that by working hard on and off the field I can achieve my goals.”
-As told to Chris R. Vaccaro