How would you define a complete student-athlete?
The Senior CLASS Award does a pretty good job in defining such a person. The award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. This award focuses on achievements in four areas—community, classroom, character and competition.
Recently, Shelby Sullivan was nominated as a candidate for the Senior CLASS Award for volleyball. The senior from Richardson is one of just 30 candidates from Division I volleyball. If you follow Aggie volleyball, you know it's hard to argue with the nomination. Sullivan has enjoyed tremendous success in all avenues during her career. On the court, in the classroom and in the community, Sullivan has been the definition of a complete student-athlete during her time in Aggieland.
Let's start with what everyone sees—her play on the volleyball court. As of October 19th, Sullivan has career totals of 821 kills, 235 digs, 279 total blocks and a .377 career attack percentage. She has earned numerous All-SEC honors and was an honorable mention All-American selection in 2014. It's not just the numbers, either. She is a captain for the second consecutive year. She is a natural leader who has helped A&M reach the NCAA Tournament in each of the past three years. She constantly communicates and praises her teammates during matches. As one of only two seniors on the 2015 squad, her leadership responsibilities have increased even more. It's clear that Sullivan takes great pride in that.
What about academics? How does a 3.841 cumulative GPA sound? Pretty impressive, huh? Add to that the fact that Sullivan is obtaining her bachelor's degree (accounting) and master's degree (financial management) at the same time, all while being right in the middle of her senior volleyball season. It's no wonder why she earned 2014 SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year honors.
As for career plans, Sullivan already has an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers lined up for next spring. While her love of A&M is clear, it's also easy to understand her excitement for the future.
"My goal is to start in public accounting," remarks Sullivan. "I'll take a look at the field there, and then we'll see. If I enjoy it, I'll stick with it. If not, I'll shift and challenge myself. Ultimately, being a CFO or CEO would be ideal—a position where I'm challenged and am surrounded by smart and talented people."
If her athletic and academic success isn't enough, Sullivan has also left her imprint on the Bryan/College Station community during her A&M career. She thoroughly enjoys helping others and giving back. She has been involved with numerous community service projects, but a specific organization stands out.
"One of my favorite organizations is Still Creek Ranch," admits Sullivan. "To see how you can influence and mentor those kids is so impactful. You see their change and transformation from when they get there to when they graduate. I mentor someone there, and I just enjoy whatever time I get with her."
Still Creek, which opened in 1988, rescues boys and girls from various crisis environments and gives them a chance at a new life. Those young people need positive people in their lives, and Sullivan is a perfect person for the job. She gives them someone to look up to and learn from. She also tutors students at Still Creek Christian Academy.
The athletic, academic and community success is obvious, but that success wouldn't be possible without some serious time management skills. Being the humble person she is, Sullivan doesn't take the credit. In fact, she credits one of her Aggie teammates for keeping her constantly motivated.
"As long as you're really interested in something, you'll make time for it," says Sullivan. "I'm also surrounded by people who are driven to do stuff. Angela Lowak is my best friend, and she pushes me. To be surrounded by people like that is really fulfilling."
Success is great. Consistent success is even better, and Sullivan delivers. Her approach to every phase of her collegiate career is incredibly impressive, to say the least. According to Sullivan, that approach started at a young age.
"My parents always had high expectations for me," notes Sullivan. "Being the first child, I was always very driven and wanted to be perfect at everything. I'm thankful for how they always challenged me. Then, through my career in academics and volleyball, I have been pushed by teammates and coaches. I have always been surrounded by great people."
As Sullivan's senior year continues on, she admits that it's going to be a tough change to be away from the school and sport she loves so much. With all the accomplishments, awards and success, I was curious as to how she wants her career to be remembered.
"I love Texas A&M," declares Sullivan. "I'm so thankful for everything the school has given me with the relationships and opportunities. It's been unbelievable. I just hope people remember me as a hard worker who always wants to excel in everything I do."
That hope is sure to become reality, as Sullivan has left quite a lasting impression on this school and community. She will have other opportunities as her senior year continues. Knowing her love of Texas A&M, however, I couldn't resist giving Sullivan an opportunity to deliver a message to the 12th Man.
"Thank you for everything," says Sullivan with a huge smile. "Thanks for the support through all the ups and downs. The 12th Man is amazing in how they stick with you. We have the best fan base in the nation. To feel that support each and every game is an indescribable feeling."
The Senior CLASS Award does a pretty good job in defining such a person. The award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. This award focuses on achievements in four areas—community, classroom, character and competition.
Recently, Shelby Sullivan was nominated as a candidate for the Senior CLASS Award for volleyball. The senior from Richardson is one of just 30 candidates from Division I volleyball. If you follow Aggie volleyball, you know it's hard to argue with the nomination. Sullivan has enjoyed tremendous success in all avenues during her career. On the court, in the classroom and in the community, Sullivan has been the definition of a complete student-athlete during her time in Aggieland.
Let's start with what everyone sees—her play on the volleyball court. As of October 19th, Sullivan has career totals of 821 kills, 235 digs, 279 total blocks and a .377 career attack percentage. She has earned numerous All-SEC honors and was an honorable mention All-American selection in 2014. It's not just the numbers, either. She is a captain for the second consecutive year. She is a natural leader who has helped A&M reach the NCAA Tournament in each of the past three years. She constantly communicates and praises her teammates during matches. As one of only two seniors on the 2015 squad, her leadership responsibilities have increased even more. It's clear that Sullivan takes great pride in that.
What about academics? How does a 3.841 cumulative GPA sound? Pretty impressive, huh? Add to that the fact that Sullivan is obtaining her bachelor's degree (accounting) and master's degree (financial management) at the same time, all while being right in the middle of her senior volleyball season. It's no wonder why she earned 2014 SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year honors.
As for career plans, Sullivan already has an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers lined up for next spring. While her love of A&M is clear, it's also easy to understand her excitement for the future.
"My goal is to start in public accounting," remarks Sullivan. "I'll take a look at the field there, and then we'll see. If I enjoy it, I'll stick with it. If not, I'll shift and challenge myself. Ultimately, being a CFO or CEO would be ideal—a position where I'm challenged and am surrounded by smart and talented people."
If her athletic and academic success isn't enough, Sullivan has also left her imprint on the Bryan/College Station community during her A&M career. She thoroughly enjoys helping others and giving back. She has been involved with numerous community service projects, but a specific organization stands out.
"One of my favorite organizations is Still Creek Ranch," admits Sullivan. "To see how you can influence and mentor those kids is so impactful. You see their change and transformation from when they get there to when they graduate. I mentor someone there, and I just enjoy whatever time I get with her."
Still Creek, which opened in 1988, rescues boys and girls from various crisis environments and gives them a chance at a new life. Those young people need positive people in their lives, and Sullivan is a perfect person for the job. She gives them someone to look up to and learn from. She also tutors students at Still Creek Christian Academy.
The athletic, academic and community success is obvious, but that success wouldn't be possible without some serious time management skills. Being the humble person she is, Sullivan doesn't take the credit. In fact, she credits one of her Aggie teammates for keeping her constantly motivated.
"As long as you're really interested in something, you'll make time for it," says Sullivan. "I'm also surrounded by people who are driven to do stuff. Angela Lowak is my best friend, and she pushes me. To be surrounded by people like that is really fulfilling."
Success is great. Consistent success is even better, and Sullivan delivers. Her approach to every phase of her collegiate career is incredibly impressive, to say the least. According to Sullivan, that approach started at a young age.
"My parents always had high expectations for me," notes Sullivan. "Being the first child, I was always very driven and wanted to be perfect at everything. I'm thankful for how they always challenged me. Then, through my career in academics and volleyball, I have been pushed by teammates and coaches. I have always been surrounded by great people."
As Sullivan's senior year continues on, she admits that it's going to be a tough change to be away from the school and sport she loves so much. With all the accomplishments, awards and success, I was curious as to how she wants her career to be remembered.
"I love Texas A&M," declares Sullivan. "I'm so thankful for everything the school has given me with the relationships and opportunities. It's been unbelievable. I just hope people remember me as a hard worker who always wants to excel in everything I do."
That hope is sure to become reality, as Sullivan has left quite a lasting impression on this school and community. She will have other opportunities as her senior year continues. Knowing her love of Texas A&M, however, I couldn't resist giving Sullivan an opportunity to deliver a message to the 12th Man.
"Thank you for everything," says Sullivan with a huge smile. "Thanks for the support through all the ups and downs. The 12th Man is amazing in how they stick with you. We have the best fan base in the nation. To feel that support each and every game is an indescribable feeling."