Dreams, Determination and Degrees: Shannon’s Story of Success On and Off the Court 

As we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 4th, we’re honored to spotlight Shannon Bandoo, a two-time Bryant & Stratton College Buffalo campus graduate whose story embodies resilience, determination, and the transformative power of athletics in education. 

From Bronx Playgrounds to College Courts 

Shannon’s basketball journey began on the courts of the Bronx, New York, when she was just a child. Playing alongside her oldest brother Jovan, she developed not just her skills but her passion for the game. “I love the game and the sport,” Shannon shared.  

But the path wasn’t always clear. During high school, Shannon faced a challenge that would have discouraged many aspiring athletes: her school didn’t have a stable women’s basketball team. Rather than giving up, she spent two years trying to organize one herself. Though that effort didn’t succeed due to academic challenges among potential teammates, Shannon’s determination never wavered. She continued playing in multiple sport leagues, keeping her dream alive. 

Her persistence paid off in an unexpected way. While playing at a basketball court in Mount Vernon, New York, Shannon was approached by someone who recognized her talent. He worked with the basketball program at SUNY Westchester Community College in White Plains and connected her with the coach. It was the beginning of her college basketball career and the start of something transformative. 

A Dream Becomes Reality 

She pursued two degrees after transferring to B&SC as a sophomore, an Associate’s degree in Business and a Bachelor’s degree in General Management to accomplish something her family hadn’t had the opportunity to pursue. “I wanted to be a role model to young people and my nieces and nephew,” Shannon says, understanding the ripple affect her success could create. 

Shannon chose Bryant & Stratton College Buffalo to play basketball with a specific dream in mind: “I had a dream attending school away from my hometown to gain an experience in a different atmosphere and environment.” For someone from her community, where such opportunities weren’t always available, this was more than just a personal goal. “Most children in my community do not get that opportunity,” she explained. “We must work hard to get to where we want to be.” 

The Mental Game: Balancing Books and Basketball 

Being a student-athlete requires more than physical stamina, “Playing basketball and focusing on schoolwork took a toll mentally. Trying to do my best on the court for the team to get wins and trying to stay focused and on top of my grades was hard.” 

For Shannon, basketball was more than a sport, it was essential to her wellbeing. “Playing basketball was my therapy to keep me mentally sane,” she reflected. The sport she loved also kept her academically eligible, creating a powerful motivation to excel in both arenas. This was particularly meaningful given her academic struggles in elementary and middle school, making her college achievements even more remarkable. 

She credits her professors, teammates, and friends for helping her push through, along with two staff members who made a profound impact: Dr. Welch, faculty member and Ms. Vietta Ward, Sr. Academic Advisor. As part of student government, Shannon explored leadership, found her voice, and learned to amplify the voices of others. “These two staff members helped me to push through to carry out my goal in receiving an associate and bachelor’s degree at B&SC.” 

Triumph Through Adversity 

Shannon’s journey was marked by challenges that would test anyone’s resolve. During her second year, her mother was hospitalized with COVID-19 for a few months. Being away from home during this crisis was devastating to her. “I was scared and worried. At some point, I wanted to give up on school to focus on my mom and family,” Shannon admitted. 

But she kept going, driven by the knowledge that her mother would want her to finish. “I pushed myself to continue getting my work done with the mindset that my mom would want me to finish school and not quit.” Her mother survived, standing with Shannon to this day. 

In her final year, Shannon faced another heartbreaking challenge when her oldest brother Jovan was diagnosed with colon cancer. Despite the emotional weight, she stayed motivated and positive, determined to have him at her graduation. “He was my role model,” she said. Jovan made it to her graduation and saw her walk across the stage, which was a moment that meant everything to them both. 

Giving Back: The Circle Continues 

Since graduating with her BBA in General Management in 2023, Shannon has remained active in her sports community. She’s played in summer leagues and tournaments, but more importantly, she’s become the role model she aspired to be. Shannon coached basketball at NewFlex Youth Program, a nonprofit in her community that builds leaders among youth in struggling social communities through mentoring, leadership, and sports programming. 

Working with elementary and middle school students, Shannon shares her experience, teaches the fundamentals of basketball, and shows young people what’s possible. She’s living proof that dreams are achievable with hard work and determination. 

Her advice to current student athletes is straightforward and powerful: “Stay focused, go after your dreams and do what you want in life. To be a student athlete, you must do the work academically and work on and off the court. Achieving academically leads you to other opportunities. Chase after your dreams and just do that work!” 

A Legacy of Resilience 

Shannon draws inspiration from Michael Jordan’s philosophy on resilience and overcoming failure, particularly his quote: “I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” This mindset carried her through her darkest moments and continues to guide her today. 

Shannon’s journey from the Bronx to earning two degrees from Bryant & Stratton College Buffalo while excelling as a student-athlete and overcoming profound personal challenges, demonstrates what National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebrates: the power of athletics to transform lives, build character, and create opportunities. 

She played college basketball to prove to her family and others that she could earn a degree while playing the sport she loves. “I had people in my life who did not believe in me,” Shannon says, “but I proved them wrong.” 

This National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we celebrate Shannon not just for her achievements on the court or in the classroom, but for her unwavering spirit, her commitment to her community, and her determination to be the role model that young people need to see. Her story reminds us that with resilience, support, and an unshakeable belief in oneself, barriers can be broken, and dreams can be realized.