MOUNT VERNON-Brewton-Parker's Shelby Pauling, a senior SSAC All-Conference point guard, is a proud soldier in the Army Reserve. Private First Class Pauling began serving on August 25, 2007. She enlisted in Fort Jackson, S.C. She also attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson Army base for nine weeks. She serves in the 313th Ecko Company.

When asked about juggling academics, athletics, and the military, Pauling replied, "All of the hard work that it takes to do all three is well worth it. I am blessed to be at a school where my teachers, coaches, and administration are supportive and motivate me to be able to succeed in all three areas."

There is no surprise that Pauling had the highest PT score in her platoon, as well as in the entire company. After basic training, she attended Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for seven weeks at Fort Lee in Petersburg, Va., where scored the highest PT in the entire company. She is known affectionately as a "PT STUD".

Pauling averaged playing 34 minutes a game for the Lady Barons Basketball team this season. She was the leading scorer for the Lady Barons just making the 1,000 point mark for her career. She was named to the 2009 SSAC All-Conference Team.

"I am so proud of Shelby," said head coach and BPC Athletics Director, Sheila Simmons. "She works hard and never gives up at anything. Her motto is ‘too easy'. There is no limit to what she can do in life because of her will and determination. I am honored to have been her coach."

Pauling's father, Alfhonzer Dash, served in the military for 20 years. She is now following in his footsteps hoping to one day serve as many years as he did. After graduation, she plans to continue service to her country while pursuing professional basketball opportunities. She will graduate in Summer 2009 with a degree in Psychology from Brewton-Parker College.

Brewton-Parker College is the only accredited four-year Christian college in south Georgia.