Sophomore midfielder Shelby Tanner of the women's lacrosse team is this week's featured Prof. She saw action in one game against Washington College, in the COVID-19-shortened season in 2020. An exercise science major from Perrineville, NJ, Tanner was named a Rowan Scholar-Athlete of Distinction as a freshman.

What was the biggest factor that led you to choose Rowan?
The small class sizes are definitely something that stood out to me and was something that I was looking for in a school. I also loved that I had the opportunity to play lacrosse at the collegiate level with a competitive and close-knit team. I chose Rowan because I thought it was the best overall fit for me out of all the schools I was looking at. 
 
What is your most memorable moment in sports, whether at Rowan or before? 
My most memorable moment in sports was my first year at Rowan. Although our spring season got cut short, during the fall season and what we had of the spring season, I was able to bond with my teammates and experience what Rowan lacrosse is really about. I am super excited to continue my lacrosse career here at Rowan.
 
If you could play any other sport in college, what would it be and why? 
If I could play any other sport in college, I would love to do gymnastics. I did gymnastics for 5 years before I started playing lacrosse. When I get the chance to watch college or Olympic gymnastics, I always find myself saying I wish I still did gymnastics. I find it intriguing to watch a higher level of gymnastics, especially since I did not participate in it as long as the collegiate and Olympic athletes have. Knowing that I used to compete in the same events when I was younger makes it more interesting and relatable to watch.
 
Who was your biggest role model growing up? 
My parents have been my biggest role model for me throughout my life. The amount of love and support they give my sister and I has definitely kept me going. I will always look up to them for all of the hard work and dedication they have and have put into our family.
 
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
I've always wanted to travel to all the national parks in the US. The only one I've been to so far is Yosemite National Park. I loved everything about it, and ever since then, I've wanted to explore more of the national parks to see the unique features that each one contains.
 
What's your choice – Netflix, YouTube, Cable TV? Favorite show? 
I don't usually watch TV or stream shows and movies, but when I do my most recent favorite show on Netflix is "The Good Place". When I feel stressed out or need to take a break from my schoolwork, "The Good Place" is my go-to show since it is enjoyable and helps me feel more relaxed.
 
Who is your favorite professional athlete or team? 
My family and I are big Yankees fans. During the summer, we usually go to Yankee Stadium to watch a few games throughout the season!
 
Who is your favorite to follow on social media? 
I recently started following Victoria Garrick on Instagram. I like how honest and open she is about mental health, which allows people to know they are not alone and other people are going through similar experiences.
 
Which do you prefer – online classes or in person? 
I definitely prefer in person classes over online classes. I feel that it's easier to pay attention to the class, as well as develop relationships with my professor and peers.
 
What is your major at Rowan and what are your career aspirations? 
My current major at Rowan is Exercise Science. Although I do not know exactly what I want to do after college, I hope to find a career in which I will be able to help others in any way I can.
 
What's the best thing about being a Prof? 
The best thing about being a Prof is being surrounded by student-athletes who have similar goals and aspirations as I do. I love being able to watch other teams practice and compete at the same intensity as we do for lacrosse. I know that each person is striving just as hard as I am to be a successful student-athlete.