Double majoring in Psychology and Criminology with minors in Forensic Science and Government & Foreign Affairs, Sha Carter’22 never imagined that she would graduate from Walsh University with two degrees in addition to becoming a star athlete for Cavaliers basketball, being the leading scorer and breaking a 22-year record held by Melanie Scheetz. So what does the future hold for Sha?
“School has always been number one for me with basketball simply being a plus. Being a detective was an ultimate goal of mine,” Sha said. “They’re both equally exciting to me.”
Sha has wanted to become a detective since high school when she first learned that a background in both criminology and psychology would be beneficial to understanding criminal behavior. She has also been an athlete for much of her life and has dreams of playing basketball overseas and professionally. Right now, both options are on the table and her future is bright.
“The sport has humbled me, made me grow, brought tears to my eyes, scars to my body, and it’s given me some of the best friends and relationships with people I’ll never forget,” Sha said. “When I sit back and look at everything I’ve accomplished, it just doesn’t feel real.”
In addition to her success in academics and athletics, Sha has been involved in several clubs and organizations on campus. She is the SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) President, co-captain of the women’s basketball program, a MOSAIC Leadership Academy Mentor who supports incoming multicultural students during their transition at Walsh University, a member of the Multicultural Affairs Advisory Council, and a member of Black Student Union. She is also a member of three lifelong academic societies, including Alpha Kappa Delta, International Honor Society of Sociology; Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology; and the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society for students majoring in political science and government.
Throughout her time at Walsh, Sha has developed friendships with her teammates, classmates and Walsh employees, many of whom she hopes will remain lifelong friends. If she could give future students some advice, it would be to form relationships with their professors and participate in activities on campus.
“Being a student has been the most fun and most stressful time of my life. Here I am a senior, when I swear two weeks ago I was 17 and staring my college career,” Sha said. “I am literally living my mother’s wildest dream by playing basketball and being so successful in my academics. It’s because of her that I continue to push myself every day. I’ve watched her struggle and deal with so many obstacles that have been thrown her way. She’s my rock, and I only want to make her proud.”
Sha is the first in her immediate family to earn two degrees from a four-year institution.
“Since I first stepped foot on campus, Walsh has felt like home. I felt like this is where I needed to be,” Sha said. “I truly am blessed and God continues to show up and show out in my life. I never want to take that for granted.”
