Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1462648
APRIL / MAY / JUNE 2022 23 living fit meet the athlete / exercise of the month Meet the athlete Alyssa Shoji Alyssa Shoji was born in Seattle and spent her high school years raining down 3-pointers as a standout at Issaquah High School. She went on to play at Division I Santa Clara University, where she finished as the West Coast Conference's record-holder for 3-pointers made in a single season (99) and No. 2 all-time in total threes (286). Alyssa now plays on the WAC women's team. Q. Tell us about your playing days at Santa Clara. A. I am very grateful to have had such an awesome experience while being a Bronco. I was lucky to have a coach who believed in me, let me come in as a freshman, and let me play right away. I had some pretty awesome teammates, too. Q. You were a prolific sharpshooter. Did you have any favorite players growing up who you tried to model your game aer? A. My dad used to joke with me that my shooting percentage went down the closer I got to the hoop. I grew up loving Ray Allen and was heartbroken when the Sonics were moved to Oklahoma City. I followed him through his days with the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and until he retired. I think I always wanted to be able to shoot the ball like him. Q. What's your fondest memory of playing organized basketball? A. So many great memories have come from playing this sport. It would have to be making it to the state championship game during my sophomore year of high school and losing to my AAU teammates by two points! It was just an amazing game. My AAU teammates are amazing friends who I'm still incredibly close with today. Q. How has your experience been with the WAC women's team? A. I'm new to the team, but I love it! I love that it's competitive, and I love meeting all the other women on the team and being able to share old college stories with each other. It has been so much fun to be able to get up and down the court again. S A N TA C L A R A AT H L E T I C S Personal Trainer Amanda Schneider demonstrates the Kneeling Shoulder Press. This hybrid exercise primarily targets the shoulders while also engaging the core and improving balance. Exercise of the Month Kneeling Shoulder Press 1. Using a pad or mat beneath you for comfort, kneel on one knee while holding a dumbbell or kettlebell at shoulder height. e weight should be held on the same side you are kneeling on. 2. Press the weight straight overhead while driving through the heel of your opposite foot and keeping your core tight to maintain balance. One press is one rep. Complete three sets of eight to 12 reps on each side as you are able. E M I L I O H U E R TA S