Shaw sees opportunity in choosing Vulcans
JEFFERSON TWP — Winning has become a habit for Knoch senior point guard Nina Shaw.
Don’t expect her to break that habit anytime soon.
Shaw recently signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and basketball career at California (Pa.) University. She was Butler Eagle Co-Girls Basketball Player of the Year with former teammate Madilyn Boyer last season, the duo leading the Knights to a 22-4 record, a section championship and appearance in the WPIAL 4A championship game.
“I think we can do it again,” Shaw said of matching last year’s success. “Defense will be a key for us along with being smart with the ball.”
Shaw averaged 13 points, five rebounds, 4.5 assists and three steals for the Knights last year.
She chose California after also considering Slippery Rock, Seton Hill and Chatham. The Vulcans are coached by Jess Strom, who was a four-year starter at point guard for Penn State. Strom led the Nittany Lions to a 93-38 overall record and a pair of Big Ten championships.
“She will be a great coach for Nina in helping her develop into a collegiate athlete,” Knoch coach Chris Andreassi said. “They should have a great relationship.”
“I love her,” Shaw said of Strom. “I want to become the best point guard I can be and Coach Strom will be a big help to me that way.”
Strom is in her 12th season with the Vulcans and has a record of 237-67. She led California to the national championship in 2015 and to 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Vulcans have won at least 21 games in each of the past seven seasons.
California was 25-6 last season, losing to Gannon in the PSAC Championship game.
Shaw said she would have gone to school far away “if it was the right situation,” but stopped looking at other schools once California offered the scholarship.
“That was my No. 1 choice,” she said of the Vulcans. “Its a tremendous program and a beautiful place.”
Besides the coaching of Strom, Andreassi said Shaw will work in nicely with California’s style of play.
“It’s a great fit for her,” Andreassi said. “They emphasize defense No. 1 and they like to play fast. Nina will do well with both of those elements.
“I’m not afraid to say it ... She’s the best defensive player I’ve ever coached.”
Shaw plans to major in psychology. Her career goal is to become a sports psychologist.
“A lot of people who shine in athletics have gone through mental health issues,” she said. “I went through some issues myself in life before putting myself in position to accept a scholarship like this.
“I want to be able to help athletes dealing with mental health challenges, to make sure they know they can get through them. I want to assist athletes in that manner.”
She also wants to see time on the court as a freshman at California. The Vulcans will be looking for a starting point guard when Shaw arrives on campus.
She also wants to work for it.
“Nothing is going to be handed to me and I wouldn’t want it that way,” Shaw said. “I want to earn whatever time I get. Yes, my goal is to play as a freshman, definitely.
“Long term, beyond that? I have no clue. Just help the team and the program keep winning.”
Knoch has been to girls basketball team camps in recent years, so Shaw had been familiar with the campus and the women’s basketball program.
“I think they’ll be happy with each other,” Andreassi said.
