Davis & Elkins athletics has unveiled its Senator Spotlight series to highlight members of the department throughout the semester. Check back to SenatorNation.com each Monday and Friday for the latest Spotlight. 

Name: Shelby Armstrong

Title: Head Acrobatics & Tumbling Coach

Hometown: Caddo Mills, Texas

Where did you work prior to arriving at D&E? Tumble Tech in Austin, Texas as the Director of Acrobatics & Tumbling.

What is your why? In other words, why do you do what you do? To not only lead my student-athletes through a time of history being made in the sport of acrobatics & tumbling, but also to help guide them to be women of character and hopefully see them lead their own group of young women out of a passion for the sport I introduced them to.

What is your most memorable moment (at any level) in athletics? As an athlete: as a top in the Acro event, scoring a 10 against our biggest rival during my junior year at Oregon. As a coach: our spring break trip this year where the team got a chance to really bond and come together. You could see it on the last day on the mat, competing a team we knew would beat us, but not caring about the score just having fun. I still get teary-eyed when I think about it! 

One place you’d like to visit for a vacation? Switzerland.

Favorite part about your job? Seeing my student-athlete’s faces when their hard work pays off, getting to coach a sport I love every single day and being surrounded by people and coworkers who support and encourage each other.

What do you like to do outside of work? Workout, run, eat pizza, cuddle with my dogs, discover new music and take my dogs to the river.

What’s your walk-up song? Ruff Ryder’s Anthem - DMX

Favorite TV show or show you’re currently binge-watching? Just finished Yellowstone, so looking for recommendations before I re-watch the Office for the fourth time.

What would you be doing if you didn’t work in athletics? I used to want to be an astronaut so, hopefully that.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? I want to be able to understand my dogs and speak to them! Just call me Dr. Doolittle. 

Favorite genre of music: I actually like all music and all genres. My playlists go from country and folk to alternative and hip hop/rap. It all just depends on my mood.

If/when they make a D&E Athletics full-length, feature film, what celebrity should be cast as you and why? Megan Boone’s character as Elizabeth Keen in Blacklist. I became obsessed with that show because of her character and she is just very cool! I would be honored if she was cast as me.