SEATTLE - From a house captain and one of the most active students in school events and, on top of all that, one of the best punters O’Dea football has seen, he is now at college getting ready for another big step in his life.
(Shaffer punting)
Kellen Shaffer started his high school journey during the first year of COVID at one of the top high schools in his area. He was unsure of what he was getting into and unsure on how he would get to know people from his class. Shaffer decided to go all in on the school and do as much as he could.
“I played football and soccer, and I was part of the lacrosse team, and I was on DECA, student leadership, and a couple of other clubs. I just tried to go all in on the brotherhood and the bond with my classmates,” Shaffer said.
When reflecting on his high school years, Shaffer shared a memory that left a lasting impact on him, and felt he was missing out on at college.
“Just the kind of brotherhood kind of bond that I had with all the guys. I definitely missed that, especially being at college, definitely being in a coed school, it's a lot different,” Shaffer said.
Going to college can be a major change, especially for athletes who have spent their whole lives involved in sports. The transition from a strict athletic schedule to more freedom and having to be more independent can give you a culture shock.
“It’s definitely a culture shock. I'm not waking up at 6:00 AM to work out with Coach P anymore. It’s a little bit more relaxing, but I've been trying to figure that out in other ways, going to the gym and going to the field,” Shaffer said.
While at college the values and habits developed at O’Dea haven’t left him. The lessons continue to guide him and have stuck with him when going into a new chapter of his life.
“My work ethic and discipline have stuck with me. I've been going to the library and a lot of my friends that went to different high schools don't really do that, and just keeping up with my school, go to the lectures, even if the attendance isn't mandatory, and doing extra stuff.”
(Senior year photo)
One of his biggest takeaways from O’Dea wasn’t just all the times he was on the field or messing around with friends, It was a teacher who had helped him and guided him in the right direction.
"Mr. Chambers was a really cool dude sophomore year. I wasn't having the best time in my life sophomore year, but he made it a lot more fun, especially being in class. I think he's a really fair teacher and he's a cool guy, very down to earth."
As Shaffer moves on with his life, he knows that one thing he learned at O'Dea will live on in the work he does- he is ready to make a positive impact on the world.
“I’m doing international business with an emphasis in Spain. I’m doing that major because I want to be able to travel as a part of my job and help people who are a lot less fortunate than us in different countries and regions throughout the world.”
Talan Scott
Irish Sports Network
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