By Devin Tracy ’15, Athletic Communications Intern
Appreciation is something people tend to take for granted, but not for former State University of New York at New Paltz women’s basketball forward Shanay Bradley ‘14.
Bradley does not take any opportunity for granted and continues to strive for her ideal career of in the field of organizational leadership and technology.
Bradley found her way to New Paltz when she transferred from SUNY Delhi her junior year. During her time at Delhi, Bradley was a team captain, student scholar-athlete and averaged 13.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per game. Once Bradley knew she wanted to attend New Paltz, she knew it was the right fit for her because of the team unity and head coach Jamie Seward’s passion.
“He has been mentoring me like a father and helping me like a businessman from the time I said I would like to attend New Paltz until now,” Bradley explained.
Since graduating from New Paltz, Bradley has done some major moves towards success in her life. When graduation from New Paltz neared, Seward told Bradley about an assistant coaching opportunity at SUNY Potsdam.
“Being a Hawk is the reason I was blessed with the opportunity of pursing my dream career in the first place. I found out about the job through Seward,” Bradley said.
This job opportunity led Bradley to obtain her master’s degree while being part of the women’s basketball coaching staff at Potsdam. Her ultimate career goal is to one day obtain a head women’s basketball coaching job at a competitive college level.
Bradley believes being a Hawk, even though only for two years, has helped her in various ways in life. “Being a Hawk was and has been an essential part in the development of my character and work ethic, from being on the team and being pushed to physical limits, to working for the athletic department for a semester and being challenged administratively.”
Being a student-athlete has also helped Bradley be successful in her academics during her pursuit of a master’s degree. “The competitive class and effective teaching techniques facilitated in my ability to effectively work with people, which will later help with my ultimate career goal of being a head coach.”
Church and family are also very important to Bradley and it shows in her hard work in both sports and academics. In her spare time, which she has little of, Bradley attends a local church called Christian Fellowship Center.
Bradley grew up with the atmosphere of being grateful to God for every opportunity she has been given. “I attend the local church here called Christian Fellowship Center where I feel the most at home.”
Bradley believes students need to learn to appreciate the blessings they have been granted in life. “Overall I give the glory to God who placed me in a place he knew I would benefit the most from on many levels!”
Bradley wants to teach her current basketball team that not taking things for granted and appreciating every step in life is how to become successful.
