University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Spotlight: Shonte Clay
1/22/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Note: This is a feature story on freshman forward Shonté Clay that ran in the Minnesota Basketball Game Program on Jan. 5. Clay, a native of Chicago, Ill., has played in just three games for the Gophers, but she has been putting in extra work after practices to improve her game. Clay talks about the transition to college basketball after a standout career at Von Steuben High School, and how she's finding other ways to make a contribution to this year's team despite her lack of playing time.
By Justine Buerkle, Athletic Communications student assistant
In Williams Arena, banners hang from the rafters displaying the pictures, names, and numbers of Golden Gopher greats Linda Roberts, Laura Coenen, Carol Ann Shudlick, Lindsay Whalen, and Deb Hunter. A member of the current Gopher squad has received a similar tribute-just at a different venue. Shonté Clay's number 34 jersey is retired at her alma mater, Von Steuben High School in Chicago.
Clay, a 6-2 freshman forward, had a prolific high school career at Von Steuben. An Illinois all-state honoree, she was a great scorer and rebounder. Clay may have saved her best for last, scoring 49 points in her final high school home game. The fact that it was her senior night made the game meaningful, but the fact that it was a playoff game added even more meaning. On top of that, Clay found out during the halftime ceremony in which they retired her jersey that one of Minnesota's assistant coaches was at the game.
"Of course, it's exciting, being my last home game ever in high school," Clay said. "The Minnesota coach came by surprise, so I saw her at halftime. So I already had like half of those points. It was inspiring. It made me want to work harder and just keep going."
In addition to her basketball accomplishments, Clay was named the most valuable player of her volleyball team, and she also was a letterwinner in soccer. But she knew that basketball was the sport she wanted to keep playing at a higher level.
"Basketball is the one (sport) I'd been playing since fifth grade, and the other sports kind of came during high school, so that was the one I felt like I could be the most successful at," she said.
Several schools, including some in her home state, wanted Clay to play basketball for them, but Clay wanted to try something new and go away from home. The University of Minnesota seemed like the right fit.
"I chose to come here because I was excited to play in the Big Ten, or any big conference, and I liked the school better than all the other schools that I had chances to go to," she said. "This is the place I felt most comfortable, and I was closest to the staff here."
Now at about the midway point of the regular season, the Gophers have entered Big Ten play. Clay has played in three non-conference contests, but has yet to take the floor in a conference game. As a freshman, she is still adjusting to the college game.
"It's like starting all over again...You're a rookie, pretty much," she said. "It's a whole different level. It's faster."
Whether she is on the court or on the bench, Clay can contribute by making herself heard. She describes herself as the "loud, crazy one" of the team's four freshmen.
"It's a part of my personality-on or off the court, just pushing, motivational," Clay said. "I would say I'm a vocal leader. I'm outspoken, so whatever I feel, I let them hear it."
Of course, Clay is not content to let that be her only contribution. She works hard in practice to improve her own game and to help her teammates improve theirs. She gets extra practice time with Gophers assistant coach Curtis Loyd working on post skills. Clay can often be seen on the court with Loyd and redshirt freshman Amber Dvorak after the rest of the team is finished with the game day shootaround. Loyd coaches Clay and Dvorak through drills to improve their post moves, defense, and overall ability and confidence.
"It's a lot more individual one-on-one time, so you gain more individual skills through it," Clay said. "The extra work is always a positive. It can never be negative. It helps me a lot, especially being a freshman."
During these practice sessions, Clay and Dvorak practice offense and defense against each other. This opportunity benefits both of them, and Clay noted in particular that Dvorak's 6-7 height is a challenge that has helped her improve.
In addition to Dvorak, Clay said other veterans on the team-especially Kiara Buford and Kristen Dockery-have made the adjustment to college go more smoothly.
"They help me out a lot," she said. "I don't ask a ton of questions, but even if I don't, they still have answers. Whether they're telling me one of their past stories or some of their freshman experiences, they still can relate to some of the stuff I'm going through."
Right now, Clay is behind those veterans on the depth chart, but she is working to earn more playing time in the future.
"My main contribution will still be to push the players who are playing way more than me, or just push my teammates, period," Clay said. "I'm more likely to be a rebounder and a solid defender. That should be something I really focus on in my future."
Looking at her high school accolades, it is obvious that Clay has talent. With guidance from her coaches and more experienced teammates, and persistence in practice, she will have a chance to play a bigger role for the Gophers. Her number 34 may or may not make it on a banner in Williams Arena, but either way, Shonté Clay can still be a valuable part of Minnesota's team.
