Know Your Pride: Q&A With Shannon Hayes

With the Regis (Mass.) women's basketball season off to a good start in its first season in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, senior guard Shannon Hayes took time to sit down with Regis Athletics for a good 'ol fashioned Q&A session. The Billerica, Mass. native discussed playing basketball for the Pride and her aspirations of entering the nursing field and eating dinner with the Madhatter.

You’re putting up career numbers this season against tough competition. What do you attribute that success to?
I really enjoy challenges. When I see there is going to be a big challenge ahead I just try to put my all into it and I guess my stats show there’ve been some good outcomes from doing that.

With all-time great Amanda Hawkesworth graduating last season, did you take it upon yourself to fill that void?
I definitely knew that last spring when they (seniors) left that there were going to be big shoes to fill, Amanda’s shoes especially. So over the summer I had that in the back of mind and came into the fall in better shape than I ever have been and was just ready to go.

Coach Santa Fe jokes that you are real “planner”. Explain what she means by that.
It’s just a thing that I have where I need to know when we’re going, where we’re going, what time we’re leaving, who needs to be where. I just need to know so I’m on time and have everyone ready and prepared, and also because I’m superstitious. I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before every game and have to eat it an hour and a half before we even get to the site if it’s an away game. I’m weird, but it’s fine (laughing).

Why did you choose to come to Regis?
A couple of reasons. I wanted to stay close to home because I’m very family oriented. I also like the close-knit atmosphere at Regis plus I had the opportunity to become a nurse and play basketball so it was the best of both worlds.

What are your plans after college?
My plans are to graduate this spring, study for my boards and hopefully pass. My dream job is to be a labor and delivery nurse and bring new lives into the world. I just had my delivery rotation and loved the atmosphere. You coach the mom and assist with the delivery and make sure she and the baby are okay. I just love it.

So far, what has been your most memorable Regis experience on or off the court?
I’d have to say my favorite memory was freshman year when we won the (NECC) championship on the same night the guys did and we all got to celebrate together. It was a huge win for Regis in general and it was just a lot of fun to have two championships come back to the school on the same night.

When Coach Santa Fe gives you the day off, what are you doing instead?
School work but I also try to make the most of the day. During basketball season it's not often you get a real day off so I try to go out to lunch with someone I haven’t seen in a while or catch up with friends.

What do you enjoy most about playing basketball at Regis or in general?
I just love the team atmosphere and the challenge of games and practice. You push yourself to a limit that you didn't know that you could. The whole family/team aspect is awesome as well and you always have someone to turn to.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given and by whom?
My dad said it’s the journey not the destination.

What is the last picture you took on your phone?
When we had the Christmas tree lighting this year I made one of my teammates take a picture of me with an ugly sweater in front of the tree and I sent it to my mom.

If you could sit down to dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
The Madhatter from Alice and Wonderland. It would be very interesting and weird to sit at the table with everyone drinking tea. I think it would be a very interesting dinner party.

If you could have a special power, what would it be?
Read minds, but not all the time.

If you could live in a TV show or movie, what would it be?
The Grinch and live with the Whos in Whoville.

If you had a million dollars what would you do with it?
I would pay off my school loans and donate some to charity. I would also travel and then give portions to each of my family members and close friends.

All abilities aside, if you could play a sport at Regis other than basketball, which would you choose?
Lindsay (Bumila) would want me to say lacrosse but I would play soccer because I played in high school and I miss it.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations

If you could be any animal what would you be?
A Lion obviously. Go Pride!

#KnowYourPride