Time out with Shannon Flaherty

SCHOOL: Carson High

YEAR: Senior

SPORT: Soccer

Q: What is your favorite sport and why?

A: Soccer because it is a game of complexity and constant thinking. It is the "beautiful game". I also enjoy beach volleyball because it requires strategy and athleticism.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?

A: Gabby Douglas. Her story is incredible, and she still medaled not only with her team but individually. Above all, she always has a smile on her face and a good attitude which I really appreciate.

Q: How do you feel about drug testing at the high school level? Should it be random, or should everybody be tested at least once during the season?

A: While drug/alcohol testing is vital to keeping athletes honest and respectable representatives of Carson High random drug testing only maintains this standard for part of the team. I've personally only been drug tested once during my high school career.

Q: If you saw a teammate using drugs or alcohol, what would you do? Would you talk to them or turn them into the coach?

A: I would talk to the teammate first. The instance could have been a one time thing, and if that was the case that doesn't necessarily make it OK, but it would mean it could be a habit easily broken. I would talk it out with my teammate and warn them what they were doing and the dangers of it, and if I saw them doing it again, I would turn them into the coach.

Q: The Olympics just ended. How much did you watch and what was your favorite part?

A: I watched a fair amount of the Olympics, mainly watching beach volleyball, women's soccer and women's gymnastics. I look up to the women's soccer team and their skill. I can always learn something from them. I really enjoyed gymnastics because of their incredible athleticism and beauty the girls achieved. The sport is truly incredible.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: Besides soccer, a major hobby is photography.

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: House without a doubt.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: I typically prefer Italian or Chinese food. I like how unique they are, and of course they are delicious.

Q: What is the last non-academic book you read?

A: "What the Dog Saw" by Malcolm Gladwell. It's an interesting book with different perspectives on different societies and their views and vices as a whole.

Q: What don't you like about your school?

A: The lack of school spirit. It isn't a problem stemming from the student body. Many times the student body is shut down by the administration because we could be demonstrating poor sportsmanship.

Q: What sport(s) would you like to see offered at the school?

A: It would be awesome if lacrosse was offered at the high school level because that sport is so unique and fun to not only participate but watch as well. It would be an exciting event to have at the school.

Q: Where do you plan to attend college, and what will be your major?

A: I have a very large list now, as I'm looking at applying to Boston University, Northeastern, Boston College, UC Davis, Washington State and Oregon State. In plan to major in pre-veterinary medicine.