University of Tennessee Athletics
Big Up To My Homeland
October 09, 2017 | Soccer
"Big Up" is Jamaican patois for respect/acknowledgement. This is Bunny Shaw's homage to her family and cultural roots for her success
My passion for soccer is rooted in, and fueled by, my love and pride in my family and native country, Jamaica.Â
Like so many great athletes such as Uriah Hall, Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake and Michael Seaton who hail from Spanish Town, Jamaica, I draw strength and inspiration from my home town. I credit my upbringing in Spanish Town as a predominant factor in fine-tuning my indomitable will and drive to become a top female soccer player. I am fortunate to have already had a series of outstanding experiences on the soccer pitch - like my time with Jamaica's U-15 through U-20 national teams. Additionally, I am fortunate to have earned awards at the junior college level, and feel that I am taking all the right steps towards reaching all of my soccer goals.
Growing up in Jamaica, you either are a track & field athlete or a soccer player. Â Seeing my brother and the others all around me playing soccer, I was desperate to learn what was so unique about the sport. Â
I remember my first time actually touching a ball with purpose. It was right in front of my house where there were a bunch of boys juggling. At that time I didn't have any cleats or soccer shorts — but I didn't care — I just wanted to be involved. I later asked my older brother to teach me how to play, and that he did!
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Spanish Town, Jamaica, is commonly known for violence, gangs, poverty and illegal activities. I readily concede these facts, but I want the world to know that there is another side to my town that is more powerful and the reason why I will forever embrace my community. Â
Spanish Town is rich in overachieving youth, with extended families whose hearts beat as one, as they are all entrenched in traditions and culture. The delicious food and markets in Spanish Town are so unique and wonderful. I recall fondly playing pick-up soccer games in the street and hanging out with friends on Friday nights while grabbing goodies like jerk chicken from street vendors.Â
It was this same sense of community and connectivity that drew me to the University of Tennessee to continue my education and soccer career. When asked to describe my current Tennessee team, they are my family away from home. They are supportive, motivating, and always bringing the JUICE. I credit the team's current success to setting goals early, holding each other accountable, and having clearly identified roles and responsibilities.
The biggest difficulty in being in the United States is the fact that I am by myself, with no family members around … and being so far from my beloved Spanish Town. The transition to the US was hard because for the first time I had to do everything on my own. There are days where I just don't want to be here and want to go home, but two things help me in those moments: my team surrounding me and encouraging me to push through, and also the lessons my father taught me — to push through when situations got tough, and what hard work and sacrifice both look like.  My father played an important role in my life because he is my protector, my mentor and my playmate.Â
The taproot of my phenomenal journey both on and off the soccer pitch and in particular, my ability to overcome so many personal tragedies, is my family. At the base of the taproot is my mother, who is simply a strong woman who cooked and cleaned and raised me for 20 years while being a poultry farmer. My mother was a bit worried when I came to the U.S., because she didn't think I was mature enough to manage that type of situation. My remaining extended family of siblings and cousins keep me striving towards greatness. I want to make my family proud by playing soccer at a high level and by earning my degree. Â
My goal at Tennessee is to go down in the University of Tennessee soccer history books as a player who helped lead my team to championships. Â Equally, if not more important to me, is to be known for my outgoing personality, sense of humor, and giving spirit. I take pride in sharing with people. My mom and dad taught me to pursue what my heart tells me and to be true to myself. They never told me what to take up in college, or what career I should pursue. They let me follow my passions and live my own life. And whenever I was on the verge of a career change, they gave me the same advice: "Follow your heart."Â
Editor's Note: Khadija Shaw currently leads with Vols with 11 goals scored this season, including five for game winners. Her five goals scored in SEC play is tied for first in the league. She has been named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week twice this season.Â
Â
My passion for soccer is rooted in, and fueled by, my love and pride in my family and native country, Jamaica.Â
Like so many great athletes such as Uriah Hall, Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake and Michael Seaton who hail from Spanish Town, Jamaica, I draw strength and inspiration from my home town. I credit my upbringing in Spanish Town as a predominant factor in fine-tuning my indomitable will and drive to become a top female soccer player. I am fortunate to have already had a series of outstanding experiences on the soccer pitch - like my time with Jamaica's U-15 through U-20 national teams. Additionally, I am fortunate to have earned awards at the junior college level, and feel that I am taking all the right steps towards reaching all of my soccer goals.
Growing up in Jamaica, you either are a track & field athlete or a soccer player. Â Seeing my brother and the others all around me playing soccer, I was desperate to learn what was so unique about the sport. Â
I remember my first time actually touching a ball with purpose. It was right in front of my house where there were a bunch of boys juggling. At that time I didn't have any cleats or soccer shorts — but I didn't care — I just wanted to be involved. I later asked my older brother to teach me how to play, and that he did!
Â
Spanish Town, Jamaica, is commonly known for violence, gangs, poverty and illegal activities. I readily concede these facts, but I want the world to know that there is another side to my town that is more powerful and the reason why I will forever embrace my community. Â
Spanish Town is rich in overachieving youth, with extended families whose hearts beat as one, as they are all entrenched in traditions and culture. The delicious food and markets in Spanish Town are so unique and wonderful. I recall fondly playing pick-up soccer games in the street and hanging out with friends on Friday nights while grabbing goodies like jerk chicken from street vendors.Â
It was this same sense of community and connectivity that drew me to the University of Tennessee to continue my education and soccer career. When asked to describe my current Tennessee team, they are my family away from home. They are supportive, motivating, and always bringing the JUICE. I credit the team's current success to setting goals early, holding each other accountable, and having clearly identified roles and responsibilities.
The biggest difficulty in being in the United States is the fact that I am by myself, with no family members around … and being so far from my beloved Spanish Town. The transition to the US was hard because for the first time I had to do everything on my own. There are days where I just don't want to be here and want to go home, but two things help me in those moments: my team surrounding me and encouraging me to push through, and also the lessons my father taught me — to push through when situations got tough, and what hard work and sacrifice both look like.  My father played an important role in my life because he is my protector, my mentor and my playmate.Â
The taproot of my phenomenal journey both on and off the soccer pitch and in particular, my ability to overcome so many personal tragedies, is my family. At the base of the taproot is my mother, who is simply a strong woman who cooked and cleaned and raised me for 20 years while being a poultry farmer. My mother was a bit worried when I came to the U.S., because she didn't think I was mature enough to manage that type of situation. My remaining extended family of siblings and cousins keep me striving towards greatness. I want to make my family proud by playing soccer at a high level and by earning my degree. Â
My goal at Tennessee is to go down in the University of Tennessee soccer history books as a player who helped lead my team to championships. Â Equally, if not more important to me, is to be known for my outgoing personality, sense of humor, and giving spirit. I take pride in sharing with people. My mom and dad taught me to pursue what my heart tells me and to be true to myself. They never told me what to take up in college, or what career I should pursue. They let me follow my passions and live my own life. And whenever I was on the verge of a career change, they gave me the same advice: "Follow your heart."Â
Editor's Note: Khadija Shaw currently leads with Vols with 11 goals scored this season, including five for game winners. Her five goals scored in SEC play is tied for first in the league. She has been named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week twice this season.Â
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Players Mentioned
F/M
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