Welcome to the AU Coaches Corner, a weekly feature giving you an inside look into the staff and administration of the Aurora University Athletic Department. This week we feature
Shawna Armstrong, Senior Athletic Recruiting Liaison for the Spartan athletic programs.
Name: Shawna Armstrong
Position: Senior Athletic Recruiting Liaison
Years of Service at AU: Eight years
Alma Mater (Year): North Central College (2009 / Masters 2012)
When did you first know that you wanted to be a coach/administrator? During my senior year internship, I stayed on to work in the athletic department at North Central College, and I was hooked. As a student ambassador for admissions, an athlete at the College, working part time with the football program, I saw first hand how big of a need for a role like what I am currently in. That experience really opened my eyes that the perfect job for me was something I needed to create. I am thankful for that opportunity that James Lancaster and Aurora University as given me to create a job that I truly love and am passionate about.
What coach/administrator has had the biggest impact on your life? John Selke, former athletic director at Schaumburg High School. He pushed me to believe in myself and has always been a huge mentor and supporter.
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as a coach/administrator? Every day I get to walk out onto this campus and see hundreds of student athletes doing something they love, while pursuing a passion in the classroom. I get to see their biggest triumphs, overcome obstacles and live out their dreams. The best part of my job, hands down.
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as an athlete? Being able to play high school golf together with my best friend, and young sister, Megan. We had one year to play together on Varsity but those rounds of golf on the same squad are something I hold close to my heart. Playing with your sibling is such a privilege and I'm so glad we got to experience that together.
If you could have any coach, past or present, as an assistant on your staff for one game, who would it be and why? I work alongside the best coaches in the NCAA. They are like a second family here, and I'm thankful to get to work with so much passion, experience, energy and heart.
How would you describe your game day demeanor? Everyday is game day for me, so making sure I've got that high energy flowing and positive vibes rolling, all while being ready to serve my prospective student-athletes and their families is a priority and an expectation.
What advice would you give your athletes today if they want to become a coach/administrator someday? Never turn down and experience to learn and try something new. I focused so much on wanting to work with professional teams, that I almost passed on the one opportunity that lead me all to where I am.
Who is the most famous athlete you've ever met? Don Beebe - he's pretty cool and has a pretty decent snack stash.
If you could coach/manage one professional team for one season, who would it be and why? Chicago Blackhawks front office - they do so much for the community and hockey is just an incredible community to be a part of.
What are some of your hobbies away from coaching/athletics? When I'm not here I am with my daughter, Harper and husband Ryan. We are both runners now and really enjoy getting out together as a family any chance we get.
If there was a movie about your life and you could pick any actor to play you who would it be and why? Blake Lively, she's awesome and her humor & delivery is so great.
Sprint to the Finish -
• Favorite food: tacos
• Favorite TV show or movie: Marvel anything
• Favorite hobby: running
• Favorite sports team: Aurora Spartans!
• Pet peeve: mansplaining
• Person I most admire: My mom, Donna - currently kicking cancer's behind
• Person I'd most like to meet: My Uncle Darin - he passed before I was born but have heard the best stories of him
• Rather ride or drive? drive
• Salad or dessert: both
• Dream vacation spot: Norway
• Early morning or late-night? Early Morning
