Actress Marilyn Monroe once made the statement "a smile is the best makeup that a girl can wear."
While Monroe never crossed paths with Salem volleyball and swimming senior Corrin Shores, she would certainly agree that Shores' demeanor—no matter when you see her, whether it be in competition or simply on the Salem College campus—is always pleasant and includes a smile.
A member of the 2018 USA South Volleyball All-Sportsmanship Team, Shores ended her junior season of 2019 by ranking in the top-five of three major team statistical categories, including service aces (34—2nd), digs (208—5th) and digs / set (2.14—5th). Shores' presence in the back row allowed her to reach double-figure digs on six occasions a season ago, including a single-match season-high 17 digs in a four-set clash with Emory & Henry on Nov. 3.
Once volleyball season came to a close, Shores made the trek down the hallway of Salem's gym to join the Spirits swim team. With Salem competing in swimming for the first time since the close of the 2009-10 season, Shores contributed nine Top-3 finishes over the course of the nine-meet schedule.
In the first meet of her collegiate career, a dual with Pfeiffer on Nov. 9, 2019, Shores had second-place individual performances in the 50 butterfly and 50 freestyle. While racing alongside teammates Olivia Kleven, Ashleigh Nelson and Amy Stutzer, Shores helped Salem to grab the 200 medley relay in 2:09.38.
She equaled those second-place finishes in the 200 freestyle and 100 freestyle as the Spirits clashed with Greensboro College and Virginia Wesleyan in a dual on Dec. 7, 2019. In the final meet of the season, a dual in Meisenheimer, N.C., with Pfeiffer, Shores streaked down the 50 freestyle race in 29.59 to claim her first individual crown. Shores capped off the Feb. 1, 2020, meet against Pfeiffer with her first 200 freestyle relay title along with Kleven, Allison Wakefield and Rachel Black.
Shores recently discussed a number of topics to provide insight on her career both on and off the court. She made the following statements:
Name: Corrin Shores
Sport(s): Volleyball and Swimming
Who inspired you to play this sport and why?
Volleyball: My best friend growing up had a shirt that said "Volley" so I knew I had to like the sport. I started going to camps here and there and joining the middle school team in 7th Grade alongside her.
Swimming: I was always an active kid, and my best friend growing up said she was joining the summer league swim team. So I did too.
That is also why I went to preschool and played basketball as well….
Describe some of the things that you have done, while being away from campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, that have made an impact on your life. While being away from campus, I have taken over the role of Phi Epsilon Kappa President. PEK is the Exercise Science honor society on campus, and we have been trying to find ways to stay active as a club during a pandemic while still promoting our goals of wellbeing through exercise and physical activity. We have begun to up with ideas for fundraisers for COVID-19 relief, sold facemasks, and are working on adding new members to participate in virtual activities. This role has really expanded my creativity and leadership skills.
Favorite Food: Hot sauce
Favorite Class at Salem: Anything Exercise Science or Anatomy & Physiology- They're very challenging but I learned so much that will be applicable to my future career.
What is the one thing that you have learned most by competing in athletics that you apply in everyday life? One thing? I don't know if I can limit it. Probably the most important thing is to be positive. In volleyball, a positive attitude can win a game. Same goes for most everything in life. Having a positive attitude can help turn a bad day into a great one.
Best Salem moment in sports: Beating Greensboro College away my junior year and having Taylor Mouton tell the team it was the proudest she had ever been to be a Salem Spirit.
Plans after I finish college: I plan to attend Occupational Therapy School and become a geriatric OT.
Superstitions that are in my pregame ritual: I used to be very superstitious, but I do not really have any rituals other than karaoke on the bus to and from away games.
How did you pick your jersey number: 13 is my lucky number, believe it or not!
Favorite person to follow on social media: @pek_salemcollege or @hunger4words (A TALKING DOG)
If you could travel anywhere where would you go: Greek Islands…. Or anywhere safely really
What made you decide to attend Salem: I was attracted to the liberal arts philosophy of Salem, the beauty of the campus, and the ability to continue my sport. The financial aid package at Salem also made it very feasible for my family and I. At first, I wasn't sure about the women's college aspect, but who knew I would make the closest friend group ever. I miss being on Salem's campus with them everyday.