Athlete Spotlight: Center Shelby Austin

The Lookout Staff Writer Jonah Unger recently had a chance to speak with Waverly High School graduate Shelby Austin, a six-foot-tall freshman center for the LCC women's basketball team. 

Who is your favorite basketball player and why?
“My favorite basketball player is Michael Jordan because no one can outshine his talent. What he’s done has completely changed the game of basketball. He was told in high school that he belonged on JV and that he wasn’t good enough for varsity basketball. He proved everyone wrong and that’s why I not only love him as a player, but also a person.”

What is your current favorite NBA team and why?
“My current favorite team is the Nuggets because I’m from Denver and I’ve seen the Nuggets rise up to their potential. They’ve come a long way from being the underdogs to having a shot at winning.”

When did you start playing basketball?
“I started playing basketball in ninth grade.”

Who was your biggest inspiration to start playing basketball?
“My freshman basketball coach, Timothy Wright. I tried out my freshman year not knowing much about basketball, and this one coach made me want to learn it all. I fell in love with the game and grew to really enjoy playing. He is why I decided to start taking basketball seriously.”

What do you feel is your biggest strength when playing?
“I think my biggest strength when playing is my height advantage. … When on defense, I can cover the middle and make sure no one has an easy shot at coming into the paint.”

What are your goals as a player, and what do you intend on improving upon?
“One of my goals is to be more aggressive on the court. I’m going to continue working on strong post moves and improving my shot.”

What is your favorite thing about playing for LCC?
“All of the people I’ve met through the program. I’ve made very close friends while having fun playing the sport that I love.”

What is your favorite thing about basketball?
“My favorite thing about basketball is how fast paced and exciting it can be. I love how much it really brings people together because of the fact that it’s a team sport.”

What is your major?
“Nursing.”

What are your plans after LCC?
“To enroll into the nursing program to get my RN license.”