St. John's University Athletics
Shawna-Lei Santos Speaks At Presidential Investiture Ceremony
10/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
QUEENS, N.Y. - Junior Shawna-Lei Santos spoke on behalf of the University's student body on Friday, Oct. 24, at the investiture of Conrado "Bobby" Gempesaw, Ph.D, as St. John's University's 17th president.
"It was very exciting to see Shawna speak at Dr. Gempesaw's Presidential Investiture! The entire team was there to support her and our new president," said head volleyball coach Joanne Persico. "Shawna has done a tremendous job on the court for us this year and it is just a tremendous honor for her to be a part of such a huge ceremony. Her journey from Hawai'i to New York is remarkable and she has adjusted very well to living in the Big Apple."
The native of Hawaii Kai, Hawai'i, is a communications major with a minor in business and film studies. Santos was handpicked by Dr. Gempesaw to speak after visiting the team during practice and getting to know about Santos and her background. The libero was named to her first-career BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll on Oct. 20, after leading the team in digs per set at 4.71. She is currently ranked ninth in the BIG EAST in digs per set (4.10) and sixth in Red Storm history in total digs at 1,296.
"Dr. Gempesaw is our new head coach, and we're his starting lineup," Santos said in her speech. "We, the student body, are excited for the future and have great hopes that our beloved St. John's will become even stronger under the leadership of our 17th president."
