Making It

Dec. 13, 2000

By Miriam BrownMedia Relations Student Assistant

The pressure of a tight game only seems to bring out the best in Shannon Lee. Twice during her junior season Lee scored the winning basket with less than 30 seconds to play -- lifting the Aztecs to victories over Montana and UNLV.

"When the game is tough she has the power to make something happen," said head coach Barb Smith. "She is notorious for making winning shots."

Not only is Lee able to make those clutch baskets, but she has incredible court vision. The kind of awarness on the court that has already given her a spot in San Diego State's record books.

However, prior to her freshman year, there were doubts as to the contribution that Lee would ever make to the SDSU women's basktball program as she was confronted with a physical injury that would change her thoughts and most of all the way she played.

As a high school senior, Lee was hurt during practice and had to have stitches in her left knee, which kept her from competing in the playoffs. After recovering from the left knee injury, Lee suffered multiple injuries to her right knee and eventually had to have reconstructive surgery on both knees.

After having to endure several months of rehabilitation to become the player she once was, Lee became convinced that she could do anything.

Smiling, Lee remembers the first time she played after the surgery. She describes it as one of the most memorable and emotional moments of her career.

"Having to overcome the physical and emotional aspects of the surgery made me stronger," said Lee. "The hardest part was getting over it mentally and regaining confidence in myself."

Lee does not feel that her knee injuries have kept her from achieving her goals. The experience taught her never to set limits for herself.

"Don't let people categorize you because then you'll have a mindset that you can only be what they have ordained you to be," she said.

Now, after all the hard work and dedication Lee is back on top.

The 5-foot-9 point guard is considered one of the top playmakers in the Mountain West Conference. She now holds the conference record for most assists in a season with the 166 she distributed last season as a junior. That mark is the eighth best total in SDSU history. She finished fourth in the MWC in steals with 61, an average of 2.1 per game. Her most notable strengths are driving to the basket, passing and defense.

Her modesty is evident on the court. Lee admits that she often does not take as many shots as she could.

"I got comfortable with the role of not being the scorer," the senior said.

At times, the SDSU coaches would like that comfort level to disappear.

"When she gets angry, she is incredible," said coach Smith. "She takes control and is much more aggressive in that state of mind."

Lee's skills have been recognized since her sophomore year at SDSUwhen she was named to the 1998-99 all-WAC defensive team and the SDSU Thanksgiving Classic all-tournament team.Her career highs of 17 points, 11 assists and six steals have made her a huge asset to the women's basketball program.

Lee began playing basketball at age 12. After expressing an early interest in the game, her mother, Sharon, immediately enrolled her in a basketball program at the YMCA, where she learned the fundamentals. Lee credits her mother for her own successes.

Sharon Lee worked two jobs while attending class and trying to support her daughter as a single parent. She worked especially hard so Lee could attend private school.

"I always felt like I had to work hard in everything I did because she was working hard for me," Lee said of her mother. And despite the workload, Mom found time for her daughter's competitions.

"It has always been important for me to have my mom at the games."

As a senior at John Muir High School in Pasadena, Lee led her team to a 26-6 record. She averaged 14 points, five rebounds, 7.8 assists and 7.3 steals per game. Her ability to play various positions on the court was instrumental in the Mustangs' advancement to the CIF Southern Section finals. Lee also led her team to the Pacific League championships as a junior and was named San Gabriel Valley co-player of the year. She finished second all-time in assists in CIF Southern Section history.

Making the transition from high school to college can be difficult. But with the help of her mother, not too far away, and her teammates, Lee was able to adjust quite easily.

Lee describes the relationship between her and her teammates as that of a family.

"For those of us that are away from our families, our teammates are all we have," she said. "We have to look out for one another."

During practice the ladies continuously encourage each other.

"We all look out for each other and pick each other up, she said. "We know when someone on the team is having a hard time and we try to help them through it."

Lee's succes in basketball can be attributed to the support of her coaches past and present. She said she admires them because they constantly provide her with constructive criticism and the encouragement needed to do her best. Yet, she has always been highly self-motivated and has had confidence in her abilities.

"There have been many player changes and coach changes within the past two years," said Lee. "All this team needs is stability.".

Majoring in information decision systems leaves Lee with little spare time. But, when she isn't studying or playing basketball, she enjoys playing video games and listening to music. She plans to one day own her own business and possibly play basketball overseas.Barb Smith says her senior will be missed.

"We will miss her great smile," she said. "Shannon will always be a part of this program."

As a senior, Lee wants to leave SDSU with a feeling that she has accomplished something. She would like to see the team make it to the NCAA tournament this season and feels they have the potential to do so.