Shoji Goes to NCAA Shootout

By Gabe Taylor

As a finale to her record-setting season, Alyssa Shoji stepped onto the national stage to compete in the State Farm College Slam Dunk and 3-Point Championships in New Orleans.

After a dominant final season, Shoji took to the court at Fogelman Arena to test her hot hand last Thursday. Despite needing a score of 15 to advance to the final round, Shoji came up short, posting a score of 10.

When Shoji first received the news two days before the event that she was selected to compete in the contest from Head Coach Jennifer Mountain, she struggled to grasp the information due to pure exhilaration.

"I couldn't believe it at first," said Shoji, adding that the coaches mentioned that it was a possibility a week prior to the official announcement. "It took awhile to hit me and actually realize what I was doing. I was very excited."

Three-point shootouts are not completely new to the senior guard from Bellevue, Wash. While in high school, she received the honor of being a participant in the sharpshooting event. From her experience in the high school contest, Shoji retained the understanding that firing too rapidly would not equate to the best outcome.

-But this knowledge failed to stick with her when she stepped into the spotlight in front of thousands of fans - both in Fogelman Arena and those elsewhere tuned into ESPN.

"As soon as I got up there, it was like 'game plan out the window,'" said Shoji.

Twenty-five basketballs sat motionless on the five strategically placed racks around the three-point line. Shoji waited patiently for her name to be announced. Despite a preference to kickoff the contest, Shoji was last in line. The benefit: she knew she needed to knock down at least 15 shots to advance to the semi-final round. The downside: she wanted to set the pace.

When her turn arrived, Shoji felt as though time kicked into full throttle.

"I was pretty nervous so I was letting them fly," said Shoji. "Everything was going so fast, I was so worried about getting through."

Shoji recorded 10 points, five points shy of the number needed to advanced, but managed to connect on at least one shot from every rack. Ashley Corral, out of the University of Southern California, went on to be crowned the champion.

The festive week included a trip to the House of Blues - an experience Shoji relished, having never been to New Orleans prior to the contest. With athletes ranging from USC, Michigan State and Louisville among others, Shoji spent her time socializing with the new faces.

"It was an amazing experience, something I will definitely always remember," said Shoji.

The 3-point contest capped off Shoji's acclaimed career at Santa Clara. During this past season, she set the West Coast Conference record for 3-pointers made in a season with 99, and added her name to Santa Clara history with the most 3-pointers made as a Bronco with 286. With an average of 3.9 threes-per game - good for third best in the National Collegiate Athletic Association - Shoji's skills from beyond the arc go without question.

Her time in New Orleans proved just that.

"I couldn't have asked to end my season a better way," said Shoji.

Contact Gabe Taylor at gtaylor@scu.edu or (408) 554-4852.