Oct. 4, 2002
Following a hard practice, Shen Danru is still full of energy and enthusiasm. She has a deep love for her sport that she has played for most of her life. Coming from Shanghai, China, Shen grew up playing a game that has brought her great opportunities, eventhough it was not very popular at home.
"My father supported my playing volleyball while I was young, and then the other family members came around. They thought it was hard for a girl to play the sport, and I was also very quiet as a kid."
Danru has been playing volleyball since she was about seven years old. In elementary school her first coach would pick her up from school take her to practice. Since the beginning, Shen has wanted to play on a collegiate level, especially in the United States.
"I had known before that it was my dream to play volleyball here in America. I am very excited about this. Also I have a chance to learn more English."
Missouri was the only college Shen looked at when she made her decision to come to the States. She redshirted her freshman year to adjust to American life before hitting the court.
Shanghai is a large city in China, but Shen had no problem adjusting to Columbia.
"Columbia is a very nice city," Shen said. "I can focus on school. In Shanghai it is so big I just want to go out with my friends and have fun."
As for the language barrier, Shen has picked up the English language relatively quick.
"I still do not speak perfect English so the people make sure to speak slower for me and to explain a lot of things."
However, the language difference has caused some confusion.
"I was in a class and the teacher went around and asked everybody if they were married or single. Well everybody said married so I figured I should too, even thought I did not know what that meant. I told them I was married and the teacher was shocked".
As a finance and banking major, Shen has yet to decide if she is going to pursue a career here in America or go back home.
"That is a long time away, I am just focusing on now." Shen has two goals, the first is to get at least a 3.0 each semester. The second is to acquire as many new skills as possible and make a contribution to the game and her team.
Shen was named the Preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and won the Big 12 Player of the Week on Sep. 9. She was also the tournament MVP at the Tiger Invitational and the Crimson Tide Invitational, and was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Oregon State Volleyball Showcase.
With all of the accolades, she has managed to keep it in all in perspective.
"I don't know how many awards I have. It is a good feeling and shows me how far I have come."
As a redshirt freshman, Shen is likely to recieve several more awards for years to come. She is taking advantage of each opportunity provided and is having the time of her life while doing so.