Player Profile: Shaelyn Black, Coudersport

D9Sports.com/EYT Media is doing a series of player profiles on returning high-school athletes this summer. The year in school listed by the athlete is the year the athlete is entering this fall.

(Photo by Paul Burdick. Check out more of Burdick’s work here)

SHAELYN BLACK – SENIOR – COUDERSPORT

Daughter of: Pete & Michelle Black
Sports Played: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball
Family Members Playing/Played Sports: Her mom played basketball and ran track and her sister, Brailee Linden, played basketball.
2017-18 Highlights: Shaelyn helped Coudersport to the District 9 Class 2A basketball title for the second straight year and also to a runner-up finish in Class 1A softball and a fourth-place finish in Class 1A volleyball. In basketball, she was named a third-team All American Awards & Engraving D9Sports.com player after averaging 14.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. She was also an NTL All-Star in hoops and a Second-team Big 30 as well and an NTL All-Star in softball.
Post-High School Plans: She plans on attending a four-year college or university. She is thinking about playing basketball and/or softball in college.

Q&A With Shaelyn Black

D9Sports: What is your favorite sport to participate in and why?
SB: My favorite sport to participate in is softball. I always enjoy stepping out on the field and playing my heart out every pitch.

D9Sports: What is your favorite memory, moment, game from playing high school sports?
SB: My favorite memory from playing high school sports is winning my first District 9 title. It was in volleyball during my sophomore year. This was my favorite memory because it was the first time winning the district and I had never experienced this before. I was one of the youngest on the team and it was special to be able to celebrate the win with my older teammates.

D9Sports: Why do you play high school sports?
SB: I play high school sports because I like the competitiveness. Every day you are challenged and pushed to do your best. I also love spending time with my teammates and creating special bonds with them.

D9Sports: Who has had the most influence on your athletic career and why?
SB: My mom has had the most influence on my athletic career. She has always pushed me to be the best athlete and person that I can be.

D9Sports: Do you remember the first sport you played and did you like it right away or did it grow on you?
SB: The first sport I played was softball. I never played t-ball, so I didn’t know what to expect. Throughout the years, I began playing softball more and more. It began to grow on me and I began playing year round. I love the sport of softball today and I’m glad I took the opportunity to play.

D9Sports: Do you have a favorite number for a uniform? If so, what is the story behind that number?
SB: I don’t really have a favorite number.

D9Sports: What would someone who doesn’t know you be surprised to find out about you?
SB: Someone who doesn’t know me would probably be surprised that I’m not as quiet and serious as they think. Around my family and friends, I’m outgoing and like to have fun.

D9Sports: If you could eat dinner with anyone famous (living or dead) who would it be and why?
SB: If I could eat dinner with anyone famous it would be Lauren Chamberlain. She has inspired me to become the softball player I am today.

D9Sports: Iphone or Android or Neither and why?
SB: I would choose Iphone because I’ve always had Iphones.

D9Sports: What is your go-to Social Media and why?
SB: My go-to-social media is probably Snapchat. I like Snapchat because I enjoy talking to my friends and looking at stories.

D9Sports: What do you like most about high school and why?
SB: The thing I like most about high school are the friendships you make. My friends are always there for me and support me through everything.

D9Sports: What do you like least about high school and why?
SB: The thing I like least about high school is the nights I’m loaded with homework.

D9Sports: What question do you wish I would have asked you? And what is the answer to it?
SB: The question I wish you would have asked is “What does it take to be a student-athlete?” It isn’t easy being a student-athlete. It takes a lot of time, effort, and dedication. You have to be able to find a balance between homework and sports. There has to be a drive to push you to success.