Athlete of the Week: Samantha Shell, Dixie High School

Samantha Shell

Samantha Shell

Name: Samantha Shell

School: Dixie

Grade: Sophomore

Age: 15

Sports: Volleyball, track

Claim to fame/honors: First-team All-Southwestern Buckeye League and first-team All-District, in volleyball; Dixie’s Defensive Player of the Year; named Most Valuable Field Events in track last spring.

Bet you didn’t know … I am obsessed with shoes and athletic shorts

Words you live by: Why fit in when you were born to stand out

Toughest opponent: Waynesville

Biggest influence: My mom and dad

Match-day rituals: Listening to music to get pumped up

What’s on your bedroom walls? Pictures of my friends and family. Also inspirational sports quotes.

When I’m bored I like to … watch Netflix

Favorite movie: 8 Seconds

Person who would play you in a movie: Blake Lively

Favorite TV show: Full House

Favorite musical artists: Jamey Johnson, Russ

I can’t live without: Working out and volleyball

I can live without: Doing the dishes

Event you’d like to attend: The Olympics

Favorite book: The Longest Ride

Favorite home-cooked meal: Cheeseburger with bacon bits and a toasted bun. I also love Hamburger Helper.

Favorite restaurant: Olive Garden

Favorite smell: Salted carmel candle

Favorite cereal: Cheerios with sugar on them

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: Dick’s Sporting Goods

Vegetable you won’t eat: Kale

I’d love to trade places for a day with … an astronaut

Whose mind would you like to read? My dog Jolene

Place where you’d love to travel? New Mexico or anywhere warm with a body of water

Talent you’d like to have? Dancing

Favorite school subject: Biology

Favorite athlete: Kerri Walsh-Jennings

Favorite team: North Carolina

Favorite Olympic sport: Sand volleyball

Something in the world I’d like to change: All of the hatred and struggle that takes place

Favorite sports moment: During the Tri-Village game when my team and I had an amazing save and I came back and blocked their middle hitter to win the point

Favorite junk food: Oreos and milk

Best thing about volleyball: The relationship and bond that you create with your team and getting to meet and play with new people during club season

In 10 years, I hope to be … doing something in sports medicine and maybe even planning my own wedding!

Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete's name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.

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