Eastern Illinois University

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for her dad, Brian Brooks, at West Aurora HS, where she earned varsity tennis letters all four years... also lettered in badminton her freshman year... picked up conference victories her junior and senior seasons and won sectional titles all four years.... 

PERSONAL: Plans to major in family and consumer science... credits her dad for influencing her career “because he has coached me all my life and coached my high school team as well”... daughter of Brian & Mary Kay Brooks.... 

FUN STUFF: Choose to come to Eastern “because I liked the other girls on the team”... besides tennis, also enjoys playing volleyball... currently driving a 2005 GMC Envoy... doesn’t care much for peas, but loves eating pizza, chicken fingers and ice cream... her favorite location on campus is “the clock tower”... since coming to EIU she has learned “how to study”... her favorite t.v. show is The Hills... enjoys watching former EIU player Tony Romo play for the Cowboys... thus she would also enjoy trading places with Jessica Simpson for one day... her advice to a younger athlete is “always try your hardest”.... 

BLACKBURN SAYS: “Shannon really came on strong for us as the fall season went on... I’ve been impressed with her mental toughness and what she brings to the table in both singles and doubles... she’s gotten better with each opportunity she’s been given, so we’re excited to see where her game goes from here.”