DRIVING TO GREATNESS — Minnesota State University, Mankato power forward Rachel Shumski (right) drives around three Upper Iowa defenders during collegiate basketball action Feb. 13 at the Taylor Center in Mankato. Shumski went on to generate 11 points and grab eight rebounds in the Mavericks’ 72-48 victory. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Shumski)

MANKATO — Minnesota State University’s Rachel Shumski earned a reputation as one of the best rebounding power forwards in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference basketball ranks during her four-year career in Mankato.

Unbeknownst at the time to the three-time all-NSIC academic selection, the COVID-19 pandemic actually created a positive opportunity for her to literally rebound during a “bonus” season.

Despite the pandemic creating a cloud of uncertainty over all levels of sports beginning in late March of 2020, ironically, Shumski discovered a sliver of a silver lining — all NCAA athletes were granted an extra season of eligibility due to the nationwide shutdown of collegiate sports.

The former Granada-Huntley-East Chain High School three-sport athletic and scholastic standout capitalized on the unique chance to achieve goals at both ends of the spectrum during the recently-completed hoops campaign.

The agile 6-foot power forward not only merited all-NSIC South Division first-team basketball honors for the first time in her college playing days, she also completed her masters degree in business administration during the hectic-filled process.

“Right after earning my bachelor’s degree in human resources, I had started my masters program in January of 2020,” said Shumski. “Looking back now, I really hadn’t planned on playing basketball again, but I’ve always been in love with the game, so I opted to stay an extra year to play one final season while completing my MBA.”

Shumski topped the Mavericks’ roster in rebounding (7.1 per game) and netted the No. 2 scoring clip (13.2 points per game) within the framework of a balanced offense during an amended 16-game season in 2020-21. MSU point guard and former New Ulm High School phenom Joey Batt led the purple-and-gold at 13.4 points per outing, while Tayla Stuttley chipped in 12.6 points a night.

Ironically, the Mavericks’ power forward saved her best season for last, pouring in a career-high 24 points against Wayne State on Jan. 16, while grabbing a season-high 11 rebounds at the expense of Concordia St. Paul on Feb. 19.

The four-time women’s basketball letterwinner also achieved excellence in the classroom and via online learning by being named the Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award winner in 2020-21, garnered yet another spot on the all-NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence, in addition to being recognized as her sports program’s top senior athlete of the year nominee.

“Now, coming back definitely looks like the right decision as all of that hard work paid off,” said Shumski, who tore her meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament in her knee prior to her sophomore collegiate campaign on the hardwood.

“I blew out my knee during my second year, and at that point I had already mapped out a feasible plan to achieve my educational goals,” said Shumski. “Even though I could have been granted a medical redshirt season, if I was to stay on course (academically), I was going to lose a year of basketball. It was that simple.”

Shumski then dedicated herself to the long grueling rehabilitation sessions to retool her basketball skills and returned to contribute to MSU’s success during the ensuing two seasons, mainly as a starter in the frontcourt.

Shumski averaged 8.3 points and 5.9 rebounds during the 2018-19 campaign, tossed in 7.0 points and grabbed 4.7 boards per outing in 2019-20 and finished by posting career-best numbers in both categories this winter.

“I’ve developed life-long relationships with my MSU teammates during my time here, and to have the chance to spend one more season with them on the court made the experience that much better,” said Shumski. “Even if we go in different directions down the road, we will always be able to reconnect at so many levels.”

Armed with a master’s degree that she earned in May, Shumski — like her fellow graduating Maverick teammates — will seek their niche in the world.

“Everybody’s timeline is different, but the next step will be making the transition from the structured schedule of academics and athletics in college to working at an entry-level position at your first job,” said Shumski.

Shumski, who served on MSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for five years — including two as president, is open to all business fields, but her main goal is to find a job in health care’s administrative side.

“Helping put people in the right place where they can make a real impact and have a positive effect in the world — that’s what I’d like to do,” said Shumski. “It was a great experience serving on SAAC in college, and learning about the importance of mental health issues, and having those challenging conversations that sometimes people shy away from.

“I believe my increased confidence on the court this season was a direct effect of my own improved mental health, and I’d love to be able to help others improve theirs and truly make an impact for the greater good.”