Student-Athlete Spotlight: Shannen Pelletier

Sport: Women's Soccer
Position: Midfield
Year: So.
Hometown: Coventry, R.I.
High School: Coventry HS
Height: 5' 2"
Major: Physical Education

A native of Coventry, R.I., Pelletier is in her second year as a member of the women's soccer team at Mitchell College. Last season she played in eight games before tearing the ACL in her right knee in a game at Newbury College on October 4. She missed the remainder of the season, had surgery on the knee and focused on rehabbing the injury in the offseason.

Ten months later, Pelletier was back in the starting lineup for the Mariners on opening day. The sophomore has started and played in six games thus far and is looking forward to a strong finish to the season. "I was a little nervous for that first game," she said, "but I was also very excited. My knee was a little sore, but I pushed through it and kept working. I was just happy to be back on the field with my teammates."

After the season, she plans on doing something she wasn't able to do last year-play softball. An outfielder while at Coventry High School, she plans to return to the diamond in the spring . "I haven't played since high school," she said, "but I'm going to work as hard as I can."

Did You Know?

Shannen often sings the national anthem before home soccer games ... she is an active member of Mitchell's SAAC ... her favorite food is chocolate covered strawberries ... she's a fan of the Boston Red Sox ... her favorite athlete is Ronaldo.

Coach Houlden on Pelletier

"Shannen is a very smart player, and physically she's tough. She's good at seeing the field-especially under pressure-and is very strong mentally. She worked hard to be back for this season, and you can't tell she's recovering from an injury. She's a high-impact player when she's on the field and a great competitor. But her biggest strength is that she transcends that into the classroom."

Q & A

Why did you choose Mitchell College?

I came to Mitchell College because I wanted to play college soccer and still be close to home. The school also had my major.

What are your career aspirations?

I want to become a physical education teacher and someday coach soccer.

Why do you play soccer?

I play soccer because I love the game. I've always been a very competitive person.

What is your role on the team?

I play midfield for the team. I try to be a leader both on and off the field. I enjoy having that kind of responsibility.

What has being on the women's soccer team meant to you?

Being a member of the Mitchell women's soccer team means a lot to me. Our team chemistry is awesome-it's like having our own little family. We travel together, eat together, and help each other out whether it's a school or a personal issue.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I like to go to sporting events, go to the beach, and hang out with friends and family. 

How do you and your team display good sportsmanship?

Our team demonstrates really good sportsmanship. If we knock someone down, we have to pick them up.  We always shake hands after a game, and we aren't disrespectful to our opponents or the referees.