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Long before Shauna Rohbock became a master sergeant in the Utah National Guard, she was one of the best athletes in the country.
The Orem, Utah native went to BYU where she was an All-American soccer player and a star in track and field. She then played professional soccer with the San Diego Spirit of the WUSA. When her playing career ended, she started another one, joining the U.S Army national guard in 2000. In an interview with GoArmy.com, Rohbock shared how her interest in serving was a consistent theme in her life.
“I was always fascinated with the military and national guard," Rohbock said. "I thought it was a great way to serve the country.”
While serving with the national guard, she learned about the Army’s World Class Athlete Program. She was invited to participate and eventually earned a spot on the U.S Olympic bobsled team, utilizing her speed and athletic ability to become a brakeman. Rohback went on to earn a silver medal in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino. It was an experience she’ll never forget.
“Being in the national guard and an athlete walking in the opening ceremonies was a huge honor," Rohbock said. "Knowing that the world is watching. And to have a medal draped around your neck as an athlete and a soldier is an unbelievable feeling.”
Much has been made of the similarity between sports and service and Rohback believes her athletic background has been beneficial to her experiences in the military.
“Being an athlete, you have leadership skills which are very important in the national guard," Rohbock said. "No matter what equipment you use, you have to make sure to do your safety inspection on it. You have to make sure everyone in your platoon and around you is safe. All those attributes from sports carry over into the national guard.”
Rohbock’s leadership skills were on display when she coached the 2018 U.S Olympic bobsled team and was also named to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. She continues to succeed and inspire in sports and in life.
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons(header image), Wikimedia Commons
