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Shanna Chua graphic
Posted: Apr 25, 2025

SPOTLIGHT: Shanna Chua, Bellevue, Women's Tennis, Sophomore

Shanna is a student-athlete representative on the NWAC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee.

 

Q. 2 - When did you start playing this sport and how has your experience been getting to play at this level?

I started playing tennis my sophomore year in high school and since then, I've been hooked to the sport. I distinctly remember the moment of realization that this is the sport that I want to pursue competitively and I love every part of that journey.

Q. 3 - What is your favorite part about playing at this level?

My favorite part about playing at this level is that you get to meet amazing, talented people who have dedicated their lives to train to be the best. I love how I can continuously challenge myself. Take the losses as inspiration and the wins as motivation to improve. 

Q. 4 - Do you consider yourself a leader? If so, describe that about yourself either on or off the team.

I would consider myself as a natural leader. I tend to take on leadership roles without hesitation and I love being able to inspire my peers and lead with passion.

Q. 5 - Who is your greatest influence?

My greatest influence is my partner. He helped me perceive life in ways I couldn't have imagined. He motivates and inspires me to be a better person every day on and off the court.  

 

Specific to being on the DEI Committee:

  • In your role as a student-athlete leader, how do you promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both on and off the field?
    • As a student-athlete leader, I promote DEI by being both an advocate and an active participant in creating inclusive spaces. On the courts, that means encouraging open dialogue, respecting cultural differences, and ensuring every teammate feels heard and valued.
  • Can you share an example of how your team or the committee has taken steps to foster a more inclusive environment? What was the outcome?
    • One example includes supporting a DEI workshop where student-athletes could share personal stories and engage in open conversations about their identities and experiences. This created a safe space for learning and understanding, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
  • What are some challenges you believe student-athletes face when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how do you think these challenges can be addressed?
    • A key challenge is the lack of representation and safe spaces for underrepresented student-athletes, which can lead to feelings of isolation or being overlooked. Additionally, there's often a gap in education around cultural awareness and inclusive practices. These challenges can be addressed by creating consistent platforms for student-athletes to share their voices, implementing mentorship programs, and integrating DEI training into athletic programs. It's also important for coaches and leaders to model inclusive behavior and actively support diverse perspectives.
  • How do you envision your role on the student-athlete committee contributing to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all student-athletes?
    • I envision my role on the DEl committee as both an advocate and an active participant in driving meaningful change. Drawing from my own experiences and conversations with peers, I'd work to ensure underrepresented student-athletes have a platform to share their perspectives. I'd also support initiatives like DEl workshops and mentorship programs to promote inclusivity. My goal is to help build an athletic community where diversity is celebrated, and every individual has the resources and support they need to thrive.

Learn more about the NWAC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee at: https://nwacsports.com/Diversity_Equity_and_Inclusion.

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