ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ

ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State Alumna Competes for $1 Million on β€œThe Amazing Race”

She double majored in criminal justice and psychology at ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ, played on the university’s women’s basketball team on a full-ride scholarship, and now Jessica Shields is taking her skills and competitive drive to β€œThe Amazing Race” on CBS. Unlike past episodes, this season features a unique twist. Shields is going to be paired up with a complete stranger for the 29th season and race around the world for a $1 million prize.

Shields told CBS that she is very specific about who her partner should be.

β€œNobody who complains, whines, cries, nothing,” she laughed and looked into the camera with a smile. β€œIf you whine on national TV, I don’t want you as my partner.”

Shields played on the ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State women’s basketball team from 2007-2011. The 6-foot-3-inch player was homeschooled in Youngstown until 6th grade. She says she found herself through basketball. 

β€œBasketball brought me through high school and got me a full-ride scholarship at ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State,” Shields said. β€œSo, I’ve been competing my whole life.”

β€œI am so proud of Jessica,” said Lori Bodnar, former associate head coach for ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State’s women’s basketball. β€œShe has worked long and hard to accomplish her dream, and I am happy to see her get a chance to achieve it.”

Shields says that competitive edge is what will help her and her future teammate win the race. Her ideal partner for the show is a man, because that is who she is used to working with at the Youngstown Police Department in Ohio. Shields is the first female K-9 officer for the city, patrolling with her German Shepherd Hector β€œthe protector.”

β€œI’m not afraid of anything,” she said. β€œYou be the smart person, and I will do the dirty work.”

Shields has some tough competition. The show will open up with 22 contestants with a wide variety of professions from military personnel to realtors, a marching band drum major, auctioneer, butcher, pro snowboarder, wall street banker, mom, artist and an attorney – just to name a few.

β€œThe Amazing Race” will air on CBS on Thursday, March 30, at 10 p.m.

The ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State community is encouraged to send well wishes to Jessica on social media using #FlashesForever.

POSTED: Monday, March 27, 2017 04:13 PM
Updated: Thursday, December 8, 2022 09:23 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Kristin Anderson