On January 30th, Shelby Shanks and her family celebrated her 18th birthday on a high note with Shelby’s signing to Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tennessee.

Shanks, and coaches Larry Sauceman and Mitch Taylor, connected right off the bat.

“They were intense and seemed to care a lot about myself, and their program,” Shanks expressed.

Walters State is a JUCO (Junior College) where most athletes go for two-to-four years, to sharpen their skills and better themselves as an athlete. When being recruited by a junior college, the recruiting process is lenient and pain free.

Shanks talked about her experience while on her visit.

“I was able to practice with the coaches and players for a few hours, which was truly a great experience.”

At the Division one, two or three levels, incoming recruits are not allowed to practice with the current collegiate team. Recruits are only allowed to talk to players and coaches, hangout with them in free time and attend games once the season begins.

After her junior college experience is up, Shanks plans on spending her junior and senior years, attending the University of Kentucky where she hopes on playing softball.

Focusing on this year, Shanks, who has played softball for Dunbar since the seventh grade, wants to leave a lasting legacy.

“Since my seventh grade year, the team has never made it to state. As a senior, I’m looked upon as a leader, so I have to really push myself past my comfort zone, so I can be the best I can be for my teammates.”

Shanks has mixed emotions on being a senior and leaving Dunbar after six years of dedication and hard work.

“I love being a senior, but at the same time I hate it. I want to stay here as long as possible because I’ve become so used to be around all the girls and coach Hill. I love being a leader on this team and I can’t wait to see what this season has in store for us.”

Congratulations Shelby and best of luck this year.