Alumni Spotlight: Shanna Register

Alumni Shanna “ivyland” Register graduated in Spring of 2022, we touched back with her to hear more about her experience as a varsity athlete and how gaming at UArizona set her up for success.

NAME: Shanna Register (ivyland)

HOMETOWN: Yuma, AZ

ESPORT: Valorant

GRADUATION YEAR: 2022

Q: What inspired you to decide to join a varsity team?
I was obsessed with Valorant and nearing the end of my senior year so I wanted to get involved in something I enjoyed before it was too late.

Q: Who were some of your role models or supporters that helped you while competing? How did they support you?
My mom was definitely my biggest supporter. She was always asking how the team was doing and if I was improving as an esport player. I was an athlete my whole life and even though esports was completely new to her, she treated it like when I was on varsity teams in high school. Her taking it as seriously as I did meant a lot to me.

Q: What challenges did you face as a varsity athlete? How did you overcome them?
Being super inexperienced in FPS games was the biggest challenge. I didn’t have the game sense many of the others had because Valorant was my first competitive FPS game. Luckily, the team was super accepting of me and helped me learn a lot.

Q: What is your favorite memory as an athlete?
My favorite memory was the first practice we had as team. I felt so welcomed and comfortable with everyone. We even got food after and hung out all night like we were already long-time friends.

Q: What did you enjoy most about competing as a varsity athlete?
I really enjoyed playing at a higher level than what I was used to. I love being challenged and I felt it really helped my confidence as a player.

Q: Do you have any words of advice for students interested in becoming a varsity athlete?
DO IT. I joined the last semester of my senior year, and it was the best experience ever. The people are amazing and the connections you make will last a long time. You never know unless you try!

Q: Do you have any words of advice for students who are currently varsity athletes?
Keep up the positive and inclusive culture!