Shawnae Inama

How did Strikers shape you as a person? 

I always say sports taught me more about life than I ever learned in the classroom and Strikers was a big part of that. I remember I started Strikers when I was 9 years old, I remember the cold seasons of soccer in Montana, playing in the snow, and learning a type of grittiness that can only be learned in the harsh 4 seasons few other states have the privilege of experiencing. Strikers taught me the meaning of working hard, and how if I really wanted something that I had to work harder than everyone else who wanted it as well. I learned from Strikers the meaning of team, winning as a team and losing as a team. Strikers taught me the meaning of a chosen family whom I would not have known without it. From intervals around the track, to full field sprints, to winning state championships, to losing PK shootouts, I was taught its only a loss if you don't learn from it. Strikers taught me everyone makes mistakes, it's how you bounce back from it that matters. 

 

How is high school/club soccer different from college soccer?

High school and club soccer were different from college soccer because of the conditioning and competitiveness. College soccer was quite frankly one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life and I am forever grateful for it. The level of conditioning you need in college is much higher than that of high school or club soccer. And the competitiveness not only between teams but internally between teammates is higher in college. 

 

What were the key factors you considered when evaluating potential colleges?

When I was looking at potential colleges I was looking at smaller schools because I like small class sizes as well as location of the college. I wanted to be close enough to home if needed. I also looked at academic programs. 

 

What was the most challenging part of the recruiting process?

The most challenging part of the recruiting process was getting in contact with coaches as well as making my own highlight videos. 

 

You played at several schools throughout college? What was the recruiting process like?

I played at 3 different colleges and the recruiting process from college to college was much easier than high school to college. From high school to college I felt really lost and had little to no direction in what I wanted or where I wanted. Getting into contact with coaches was much more difficult. Once I had the college experience and knew what I was looking for in my next college it was much easier. My college coaches also were helpful and had connections which allowed me more options. My JuCo coach was also very helpful in the transition process. 

 

What are some of the major differences you noticed playing for a junior college vs. NAIA?

The major difference between junior college and NAIA was just age and experience. I really loved my JuCo experience and felt it prepared me for the next step at a 4 year. Not only in soccer, but academically as well. NAIA was a bit more serious as well which is to be expected. But I really believe my JuCo shaped me to be the player I was at the end of my college career. 

 

What advice would you give to younger athletes going through the recruiting process?

I would suggest to not be deterred by 'NO' from one, two, three or however many coaches. If you want it bad enough you are more than able to find a school out there who will appreciate all you bring to the team and help you grow as an individual and soccer player. Another piece of advice I would give is to ask for help whether that's from the club, your coach, or whomever you trust who is familiar with the process. Ask for help! It's a lot of information and a lot to look at, it's a big decision. Lastly, condition more than you think you need! I cannot stress that one enough. 

 

What do high school athletes not understand about college sports?

High school athletes don't understand how good of shape you need to be in at the college level. College soccer is also much more of a commitment than club or high school. You spend most all your time with your team and coach. It takes up the majority of your life, and you have to really want it. You have to commit to making yourself better each day or your life is going to be not fun for 4 years. 

 

What was/is the best part of playing college sports? What was/is the hardest part?

The best part of college sports was the people I met along the way. I met my forever friends through college soccer. I gained a lot of confidence throughout my time as a student athlete because I worked extremely hard for 5 years and I got to see it pay off. I genuinely loved my time playing college soccer and I wouldn't trade it for the world. The hardest part was conditioning in the summer by yourself. Yeah it sucks to condition anyways, but at least during the school year you get to suffer alongside your teammates, but in the summer, you have to find the motivation inside yourself to push harder when no one is around. 

 

Is there anything else you would like to share with high school athletes?

I would say life after high school may seem daunting, as well as college itself or making a decision about what's next. Trust in yourself and your ability to handle whatever life throws at you. Everyone is capable of more than they know.