Alumni Spotlight with Shana Martin '99

Shana Martin (McDonald-Black) was a Heptagonal champion in the 4x100-meter relay for the Penn Quakers and a standout individual sprinter. She has parlayed her loved of sport into a career. Martin is the Director of Athlete Relations for the Sports Division of Williams & Connolly in Washington, D.C. working with athletes such as Chamique Holdsclaw, Tim Duncan and Grant Hill.

Tell us a little bit about your background, where you are from, what your major was and how you came to the Ivy League.

My family is from Jamaica. I'm a first generation American. I was born in Alexandria, Va. and raised in Gaithersburg, Md. I chose the Ivy League because I was fortunate enough to achieve some success in high school not only in academics but in athletics as well. I did not want to become complacent, and I felt the Ivy League would not only challenge me on a much higher level but would also be a rewarding experience. I majored in political science.

Was there a time when you thought, "Hey, I could go to an Ivy League school" or was that always in your mind?

Once I started researching universities and realized that I met the qualifications for an Ivy League institution, I decided that's what I would strive for.

What perceptions did you have about the Ivy League when you first arrived?

I thought that academics would be the only thing people focused on. Hearing and reading about the rich history of the Ivy League did nothing but paint a picture of an intellectual and philosophical type of environment.

How did those perceptions met with reality?

Though academics were very important and the main reason we were there, it wasn't long before I realized that people did not eat and breath school work. Sitting in a classroom and learning from a professor wasn't the only important thing. Participating in sports and being a part of political causes and social groups were just as important ways of learning and broadening our horizons. As a member of the track team, I was able to travel to Europe and learn and experience things that I couldn't in a lecture hall.

What about going to an Ivy League school most appealed to you?

Knowing the rich history of the Ivy League and its prestige just convinced me that it was something I would like to experience.

As an African-American, what experiences stood out to you about adjusting to college in the Ivy League?

Seeing so many different races and cultures in one place being treated equally and all having the same goal.

What were some of the most memorable moments for you as an athlete and a student?

As an athlete - meeting some many wonderful people (teammates and coaches) that made such a huge impact on me and will be life long friends. The Penn/Cornell European Tour. As a student - staying up all night writing papers. Being around so many intelligent people from a variety of backgrounds.

What historical figure do you admire most and why?

I admire any person who stands up for what they believe in and goes against the odds.

Who had the biggest influence on you as you grew up? Why?

My parents. They taught me the importance of hard work, optimism and persistence and that there are no short cuts to success. They also instilled the importance of compassion and treating others the way I would like to be treated. All these values have been very important in getting me where I am today.

In an age of ultra-glorification of athletes and sports, what would be the best advice you could give to a middle schooler about the value of education, and the best role for sports in their education?

Graduating from an Ivy League institution has given me a wide variety of options on what path I choose to follow and has helped to create various opportunities for me. I truly believe getting any form of higher education will create opportunities one would not otherwise have. Participating in sports enhanced what I learned academically. Both have played a vital part in the person I am today.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young African-American who has aspirations to attend an Ivy institution?

A couple clichés are true in this case: 1. Stay positive. You can talk yourself out of doing tremendous things; if you really want to do something give yourself the opportunity to do it by not handicapping yourself with negative thoughts. 2. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. My high school career planner told me I couldn't attend an Ivy League institution and I proved her wrong.

How has your experience in the world of Ivy League athletics aided you in the day-to-day dealing in your career?

Having an Ivy League education has helped me get a career in a well-known law firm. Participating in sports gave me extra insight that helped me become the Director of Athlete Relations for two attorneys in the firm that serve as agents for NBA, WNBA and NFL athletes.

What advice would you give to current African-American student-athletes of Ivy League institutions about what lies ahead after college?

Live it to the fullest. The things you experience at your institution will greatly affect the way you deal with different situations in "the real world." You have earned your way into one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, enjoy it and be proud.

***Please note, this story was written for a previous Ivy League Black History Month celebration. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and has not been updated.***