June 7, 2010

BERKELEY - Senior outfielder Shannon Houston came to Berkeley by way of New Egypt, N.J. During her freshman year in 2007, Houston was utilized primarily as a pinch runner, scoring 22 runs and recording 12 stolen bases. As a sophomore, she tallied her first career grand slam and, in 2009, she finished the year with 38 appearances and 16 starts. As a senior, Shannon has tallied six hits and stole two bases for the Bears. Houston will graduate this summer with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, with hopes for a career in marketing or event planning.

CalBears.com: What is your best Cal story or favorite Cal experience?
Shannon Houston: During team bonding, I was asked what it means to be a Bear. I replied "Grrrraaaaaahhhhhh!"

CalBears.com: What will you miss most about Cal?
SH: I am going to miss being a part of a team that spends more time together than any other program on campus. The constant traveling and forgetting luggage make our team very close.

CalBears.com: What are your career plans and what are you plans after graduation?
SH: I will hopefully get a job in either the marketing field or as an event planner.

CalBears.com: Has Cal lived up to or has it been different and/or better than the expectations you had of it as a freshman?
SH: It has been pretty much what I expected - a lot of hard work on and off the field.

CalBears.com: What has been the most embarrassing thing in your years at Cal?
SH: Probably freshman year when Vernae Sevilla and I were waiting at the bus stop for the seven line, and we decided to get on it going the other way because it was freezing cold. I thought It would turn around after a few stops but we ended up at the Rockridge BART station and didn't end up getting to the Student Learning Center on campus until an hour and a half later.

CalBears.com: What advice would you give to freshmen?
SH: I would tell the freshman to learn to stay on top of their reading because it can become overwhelming. I would also advise them to take advantage of the education they are getting because it truly is one of the best and sometimes student-athletes can take it for granted.

CalBears.com: What was the best class you took here?
SH: Education 75 with Derek Van Rheenen.

CalBears.com: What made you choose Cal?
SH: The prestigious academic standards and competitive athletics.

CalBears.com: Do you have a favorite game or play or road trip?
SH: My favorite trip was when we were in Hawaii, and we had a military-style practice in the rain with strength coach Ken Miller.