Ben Shughart | Liberty

Hometown: Shippensburg, PA

Current City: Lynchburg, VA

Undergraduate Major: Sport Management

Postgraduate Field of Study: Masters in Business Administration
 
How did becoming a college athlete impact your life?
Becoming a college athlete has fully changed my life. It has provided me with many close friends and a lot of new connections. It has also allowed me to work towards a goal and be surrounded by fellow Christians working towards a similar goal.

What are you planning for your professional career after college?
I intend to work in athletics in some capacity, ideally on the business/finance side of the industry. I also have a strong interest in pursuing entrepreneurship and owning my own business down the road.

What was/is your favorite class and why?
I recently took my first graduate-level finance class which I found very interesting. I’ve always been a math person, so a class that uses math in a practical application was enjoyable.

What’s the best advice you received from your coaches or teammates?
A common theme my coaches discuss is placing your identity in the right things. As an athlete at the highest level of collegiate track, it's easy for track and field to become who you are. I’ve gone from being cut as a freshman to an event and team conference champion and competed at the biggest meet in collegiate track and field in D1 Nationals. This has all been nothing compared to the fulfillment I find in my faith in Christ and I’m incredibly thankful for coaches and teammates who believe this.

What piece of advice would you have for current student-athletes?
You get out what you put in. Track and field is unique in that, generally speaking, you are fully responsible for your individual results. If you want to succeed, you not only have to train like it, but your diet, sleep, and life outside of track have to reflect that as well.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I spend a lot of time with my teammates and friends outside of track. I also enjoy spending a lot of time in the outdoors, specifically hunting and fishing. Even when not training for track and field, I still like to spend a lot of time in the gym.