It’s been a long and winding road filled with multiple unexpected detours for La’Vontae Shenault. A 2019 graduate from DeSoto, TX, he began his collegiate football career playing three seasons at the University of Colorado before making a move to Alabama State University where a knee injury would send Shenault to the sidelines for two years. When Darrin Chiaverini got the job as head football coach at Northeastern State University, the doors reopened the pathway for success for the RiverHawks senior who now wears the green and white number-1 jersey on game days.
“Coach Chev reached out to me and convinced me to get off the couch,” said Shenault, who returned to the gridiron this fall for the RiverHawks. “Coming to the ‘Quah has been a real victory for me, both on and off the field. Not only have I built relationships for life with my teammates and my instructors but also with people in the Tahlequah community who have made me feel at home.”
Known to his teammates as “Tae”, the 6-2, 195 pound wide receiver has a unique approach to pregame preparation.
“I’m a hooper, so I’ll shoot around the basketball before going to team meetings as well as read books centered around success topics,” said Shenault, whose favorite foods include pasta and fried fish. “I’m the same person on and off the field. I’m hungry, humble and detail oriented with a sometimes goofy flair of swag.”
Majoring in Sociology with a minor in Marketing, Shenault is taking advantage of the learning opportunities available to all NSU students through on-line studies.
“My on-line classes help me to meet the demands of my everyday schedule,” Shenault said with conviction. “At NSU, you get the same value education as the in-person classes. The communication with professors is an advantage for all of the students not only with completing weekly assignments but also enriching a person’s communication skills, which will continue to serve me for the rest of my life.”
Without hesitation, La’Vontae Shenault knows that his decision to “come to the ‘Quah” was the right choice for him and encourages others to follow his footsteps.
“God doesn’t make mistakes and coming here has not only pushed me through adversity but it has opened the doors to making my dreams come true. If you want it, you can get it at NSU.”
