Coach Shay is a former NCAA Division I athlete who played basketball at UCSB before transferring to Fresno State University her sophomore year. She was the starting point guard at both universities for all four consecutive years, earning Academic All-WAC honors at Fresno State and a degree in Kinesiology. During her time at Fresno State, she won the WAC Championship in two out of three years. Shay played four seasons of varsity basketball at Sylmar High School, finishing her career in 2005 with a school-record 1,350 points. She was a First Team All-CIF/Los Angeles City Section honoree, a McDonald’s All-American nominee, and the Mission Valley League MVP in 2003 after leading the Spartans to the City Section finals. She was also ranked #26 in the state of California coming out of high school.
Coach Shay has spent the past three years dedicated to coaching basketball, helping players develop both on and off the court. This hard work culminated in winning a foothill league championship this past season for the Valencia High-school girls Varsity Basketball team as the assistant coach. This experience has deepened her passion for the game and strengthened her commitment to developing athletes to reach their full potential.
Growing up in the inner city, Shay discovered her love for basketball at 11 years old. What began as a simple way to stay active quickly turned into a lifelong passion that taught her the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. The game became more than just a sport—it was an outlet, a source of confidence, and a path to new opportunities. Through dedication and countless hours in the gym, Shay overcame challenges both on and off the court, using basketball as a vehicle for personal growth and success. She was the first in her family to attend a four-year university and is now committed to giving back to her community, helping the next generation of inner-city youth discover their own potential through basketball, mentorship, and life lessons.
Beyond skill development, Shay is dedicated to being a positive role model and mentor, helping athletes grow not just as players but as individuals. Whether working with beginners or advanced players, she creates an encouraging yet challenging environment that pushes athletes to reach their full potential while fostering a genuine love for the game.
