MISSOULA – High school seniors around the country are making their plans for next year official this week. One of the newest recruits for the Montana Lady Griz has spent plenty of time around the program already.
Shelby Schweyen signed her letter of intent at Missoula Sentinel High School Thursday afternoon. The daughter of Montana head coach Shannon Schweyen will also join her older sister Jordan in maroon and silver next fall. But she also plans on competing for her dad, Brian, the Grizzlies’ head track coach.
Shelby doesn’t expect too many conflicts in the future. But who knows, it’s a competitive family.
“It’s going to be interesting that I can actually play for both of them now,” said Shelby. “But I think the seasons are pretty separated, so for the most part there shouldn’t be any conflicts. But you never know.”
“I definitely get first dibs because she’s on my scholarship,” joked Shannon. “She loves the high jump and she loves to compete in track and field. She’s worked very hard her entire life to get to this point. So it’s rewarding to see a dream come true.”
“It’s been forever,” said Shelby when asked how long she has envisioned playing for the Lady Griz. “Since I was a little kid growing up going to games, watching every game, going to camps, it’s always been a big part of my life. And now that it’s something real is pretty cool.”
Shelby will also be joined by her good friend Jamie Pickens next year. The Helena High star also made it official by signing with the Lady Griz on Thursday. Pickens won the Montana Gatorade player of the year as a junior last season. She’s also a three-sport standout, just like Schweyen. The two have been thinking about playing together for a while. They approached Shannon Schweyen and gave their verbal commitment to the Lady Griz together a year ago.
