“She’s always dreamed of playing college basketball and has really embraced living that dream now here at Connors.”
That’s how Connors State College women’s coach Jamie Fisher describes Webbers Falls’ product Samantha Shanks.
“She is really representative of a lot of the freshmen we have this year that came from highly successful high school programs where it’s not about stats but about winning,” said Fisher. “And that’s what the Cowgirl Way is all about – buying into the program and embracing the culture.”
As she has moved on to college, Shanks noted some of the changes between high school and college ball.
“At Webbers Falls I had coach (Jerry) Ward all through school, so I learned the system early and there was a lot more pressure on me,” she said. “And in high school we were good enough that there were a lot of games where I might just play two or three quarters because we blew people out. But here I’ve had to adapt to the game being longer and playing in all four quarters.”
Her work ethic has been something that has caught her coach’s eye as well.
“Sam spends a lot of time in the weight room and over the holidays she stayed on campus and spent a lot of time in the gym on her own,” said Fisher.
Growing up, Shanks followed in the steps of her older sister, Cheyenne, on the basketball path and made it to the state tournament twice with the Lady Warriors. When it came time to think about college, she made a logical decision.
“I chose to come to Connors because it’s close to home and I’ve seen people who went to a larger program right out of high school and didn’t make it,” Shanks said. “So I decided to go the juco route and get some experience and then have a better chance of sticking with a D-I program down the line. I like the independence of having my own space here and being more responsible but there’s also a lot more on my plate here. You really have to stay on top of your studies and adjust to the extended practices.”
Fisher is proud of the way that Shanks has adjusted on the court as well.
“Sam is always where she’s supposed to be and is becoming more of a team leader, which you don’t always see in a freshman,” Fisher said.
