Northwest Wayne News

Shea Tripp, a senior on the Wayne State University women's basketball team, is receiving national recognition for her accomplishments on the court, in academics, and her efforts in community service. She has completed more than 480 hours of community service during her time at the university.

Carrie Lohr, the head coach of the women's basketball team at Wayne State, highlighted Tripp's leadership qualities, noting she became one of the youngest team captains in her coaching career. Lohr stated, "Shea has always had a natural talent for leading and helping others."

Tripp has been named a finalist for the John Wooden Citizenship Cup. She is one of three female student-athletes across all divisions traveling to Atlanta for the ceremony at the College Football Hall of Fame. Additionally, she was selected as one of ten females for the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team, a recognition among 200 nominations from various winter sports divisions.

Jeff Weiss, Senior Associate AD, nominated Tripp for the Good Works Team. Tripp shared her excitement about being selected: "I found out I made the team right before the first round of the GLIAC Tournament. That was a great way to start the day!"

Coach Lohr expressed her pride in Tripp's accomplishments: "To be a finalist of this prestigious award (John Wooden Citizenship Cup) is simply amazing and Shea is very deserving." Lohr emphasized how this award reflects qualities across all NCAA sports divisions.

Tripp attributes many of her community service opportunities to Athletes in Action and Wayne State Athletics, along with the support of her professors. One notable initiative includes working with children with autism, helping them develop fine motor skills. Tripp remarked on the importance of such opportunities: "which they don't normally get the chance to do."

Another community service activity close to Tripp's heart is her role as a counselor at Bay Shore Camp, a Christian basketball camp she attended as a camper. Tripp said, "Being able to go back and be a counselor and just help kids go through life, especially as an athlete...that's what I'm super passionate about."

These outreach activities have significantly impacted her own life, Tripp mentioned. "It's crazy because each year I go and I think to myself that I'm going to make an impact on these students and then by the end of the week, it's like, wow, they just changed my life way more than I think I could ever impact them."

Her motivation stems from her faith and familial support, which have guided her in her community service initiatives. Lohr noted Tripp's development throughout her time at Wayne State: "It has been very rewarding watching her learn, grow and mature into a confident, driven, team player for not only the team but the entire athletic department."

As she approaches graduation with a degree in Health and Physical Education Teaching, Tripp intends to pursue a career in coaching, continuing her influence in athletics, academics, her career, and community involvement.