Joah Shay

Joah Shay, a freshman in civil and environmental Engineering (CEE) from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has a game plan for success — balancing a demanding academic schedule while walking on for the Auburn Men’s Basketball team.

Why Auburn

“I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, when my dad was coaching at the University of Tennessee under his longtime mentor, Bruce Pearl. Going into my senior year of high school, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go. Coach Pearl had been watching me during my summer travel basketball seasons and said if I wanted a spot on his team, I’d have it. I ultimately chose Auburn because the engineering program, basketball program and the student body are some of the best in the country.”

Why Engineering

“I originally wanted to be an architect so that I could design and build homes, but Auburn’s architecture program is very strict and rigorous. I had always had engineering in the back of my mind, so I decided to pursue a branch of engineering that could keep me within the field of construction and home building. CEE was perfect for my goals.”

Basketball

“The Final Four was when our team camaraderie was strongest because we were having all our meals together and spending so much time with each other throughout the tournament. I was able to get much closer to the whole team through that experience, which is something I’ll cherish long after basketball. This team will be remembered forever, and that’s what makes this experience so fun. Every guy on the team has etched his name in Auburn basketball history. Auburn is everything to so many of those guys, and I hope that at the end of my time here, I feel the same way.” 

The Auburn Experience 

“There are two main reasons. First, I’ve been able to grow a lot in my faith, which has been incredible. Second, the community has been amazing.  Even without basketball, I’d still love Auburn because of the people. From the students to the teachers to the alumni, everyone involved in Auburn has been so good to me. Coming here was truly the best possible decision I could’ve made.”

To learn more about Shay, check out his interview on the award-winning #GINNing Podcast.