Like many young girls, Shay Grissom began her athletic future playing softball. After learning the sport while playing at a competitive level for 15 years, it was hard after graduation from high school to walk away from the game to commit her efforts to being a member of the dance team at Northeastern State University.
“Dance brings out my personality, it let’s me be me,” explained the 2025 Muskogee High School graduate who was part of the Roughers dance teams that advanced to the state championship finals and to the final round at Nationals in Florida.
An invitation to join the RiverHawks dance team solidified her choice to attend NSU to pursue her future dreams.
“NSU encouraged me to take the chance, try it you’ll like it,” said Grissom. “They were right. Since my very first tryout to now, I’ve loved it. I’m glad I chose to be a RiverHawk.”
The second year member of the college dance team, Grissom credits the influence of her coach, Gracie Kreiss, as an example of one of the most important values in her everyday life.
“At the top of the list is loyalty, always putting others needs first is what helps me determine my day-to-day decisions,” said Grissom. “Coach is always “10 toes down”. With homework or personal problems, she’s always been there for me – as a dancer as well as a person.”
Grissom’s high energy level includes more than just the dance team but also the educational advantages as a student at NSU pursuing a degree in elementary education.
“My elementary school teachers helped me so much…they changed my views and helped me so much in my life,” said Grissom. “I want to live to work and not just work to live and become a teacher where a kid can feel comfortable around me. I want to be able to change a little kid’s life for the better while helping them learn and be able to find happiness every day.”
The classroom experience at NSU has opened doors for Grissom to reach those goals.
“Every professor has been so helpful – class sizes are perfect allowing me to get to know my professors and develop relationships built like friendships,” said Grissom. “They’re available to answer your questions through email or one-to-one conversations all the time.”
When asked why others should follow her lead and choose NSU, Shay Grissom replied with a the same high level energy and smile she displays when performing on the RiverHawks dance team.
“Northeastern State University is a place where everyone supports everyone and the RiverHawk spirit is loud and proud. The opportunities to discover success are endless.”
