Grantham, PA - The Messiah field hockey team is currently ranked No. 1 in NCAA Division III. They are 8-1 overrall and 4-0 against top-ranked teams picking up big wins against Urinus College, Salisbury University, The College of New Jersey, and Franklin & Marshall College earlier this season. Goalie Shelby Landes has been great in goal, leading the Falcon defense that has only allowed eight goals this season. She has 23 saves, a .742 save percentage, and a .94 goals against average across nine games. The Falcons look to extend their eight-game win streak tomorrow when they travel to Gettysburg College for a 4:00 p.m. game.

We got together to talk to Shelby in this edition of #WhyMessiah.

What are the names of the rest of your family (parents, siblings, etc.) and where do you fall among your siblings?
My parents are Corey and Gwen Landes. I have an older sister named Amber, older brother Nate, then me, and a younger brother named Trevor.
 
Why did you come to Messiah and/or why do you love being at Messiah?
I came to Messiah because I felt like God was calling me out of my comfort zone. I was nervous about being two hours away from home but it seems like nothing now. I felt Messiah was the right fit for me because I knew I would be pushed academically, athletically, and be shaped into the person I was intended to be.
 
Why did you choose your specific major her at Messiah? Have you enjoyed your study in it? Why or why not?
I chose to be a nursing major because I realized in high school-- through taking classes and internship opportunities-- that I wanted to go into medicine. Messiah has a great nursing program and I have felt supported by my professors and classmates since day one.
 
What is your dream job after college?
My dream job after Messiah is to have the opportunity to work overseas in countries that need better medical attention, or possibly going into pediatric oncology.
 
If you could have dinner with one person in history, who would it be and why?
I would love to have dinner with Amelia Earhart because I want to know how it felt to be the first woman to accomplish something so extraordinary. I want know about her journey, the hard times, and what she went through to reach that great achievement in her life.
 
Who is your favorite professor and why?
Professor Linstedt because every day she asks us where we are seeing God at work and she cares about us as people, not just nursing students. Through her teaching I have been able to apply my faith to my studies and it is great to have more clarity on how the two connect.
 
How do you balance your academic work and your commitment to your sport?
I try to allow myself to have an hour aside from field hockey and homework to watch Netflix or hang out with my roommates. Some weeks I do better than others but I think that God has really been teaching me how to care for myself while also taking care of what needs to be done.
 
Who has most influenced your life and why?
I would say my whole family, including my extended family, has influenced me so much in my life. Every single one of them has supported me through everything that I have done and they all have been there for the exciting times and times that weren't so exciting. It is so fun to have a little fan section on the side of the field that I know will love me regardless of the outcome.

What is one thing about your coach that those outside of your team may not know?
She has a passion for watching game video in slow motion.
 
What is special about your coaching staff and teammates, and how would you explain that to a recruit or someone outside of the program?
I think that our team is really special because of how much heart we put into every single practice and game. There isn't one day that goes by where I'm not encouraged by someone on the team and I think we value each other as individuals. We all challenge and push each other but at the end of the day we come together in prayer and support for each other. Everyone on this team is has an important role and our team really values that which makes it even more special.
 
What advice would you give to younger student-athletes looking to play a sport in college?
Playing a sport at Messiah is a great opportunity because it allows you to meet some great people who you share a lot in common with. Being on a team I have learned that I am never alone, even when I think I am. We all have good days and bad ones but through it all we are there for each other to give support and encouragement. I was hesitant to play a sport while pursuing a nursing degree, but it gives me a chance to let go of stress and connect with people, and seeing those connections grow on the field is truly special.
 
If you had to answer the questions #WhyMessiah what would you say?
Messiah is truly the definition of community. Not a day has gone by where I haven't felt supported by teammates, coaches, or friends. Messiah is a place where you find that your purpose is so much more than your athletic or academic ability. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging through the hard days and there is always someone to celebrate with when you have overcome an obstacle.
 

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