SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- The Slippery Rock University athletic department would like to recognize senior lacrosse players Haley Barrett, Olivia Beach, Sami Gentzler, Tori Penders, Savannah Renner and ShyAnne Toomer in the third of multiple #SRUSeniorDay features this spring that will celebrate The Rock's spring senior student-athletes.
 
ABOUT #SRUSeniorDay
Throughout the month of April, the Slippery Rock athletic communication office will be recognizing The Rock's senior student-athletes online as a way to celebrate the seniors that did not get to have their traditional Senior Day celebrations this spring.
 
Each weekday throughout the month, a few seniors will be profiled on Twitter (@Rock_Athletics) with graphics, photos and quotes from the student-athlete about their time at SRU.
 
Once each senior from each respective spring team has been profiled on Twitter, we'll create a page like this one for each team that includes all of the graphics and complete responses to a number of questions about the student-athletes' experiences at SRU.
 
Follow along with the hashtag #SRUSeniorDay on our Twitter page and come back to the web weekly to check for more features on the SRU spring seniors.
 
LACROSSE SENIOR DAY
• Total Seniors: 6 HALEY BARRETT  |  Roster Bio and Stats
• Position: Goalie
• Number: 38
• Hometown: Webster, N.Y.
• Major: Public Health
• Parents: Molly and Rick Barrett
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Ranks fifth in SRU program history in total saves (180) and seventh in goalie wins (25) … started 21 games over the last two seasons … appeared in 25 games … posted a .433 career save percentage and an 11.05 goals against average.
 
IN HER OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
HB: Amazing.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
HB: Meeting so many amazing people and gaining friendships that will last a lifetime.
 
• Most memorable game/event from your SRU career?
HB: Beating IUP my sophomore year.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
HB: December 2020. My degree will be in Public Health.
 
• Will you be attending graduate school? If so, do you know where and what major?
HB: I am not sure where I want to attend graduate school yet. I was thinking maybe Slippery Rock for my master's in Public Health.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA?
HB: If I come back to Slippery Rock for my master's program I will most likely use my extra year of eligibility. If I go to a different school I am unsure, but I might. I still have one class I need to take in the fall and a summer internship so I have a little bit of school left.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
HB: Dr. Shotwell and my genetics class
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
HB: This was one of the best decisions I've ever made!
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
HB: Make everything matter! Practice, games, yoga… everything.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
HB: Thank you!

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 OLIVA BEACH  |  Roster Bio and Stats
• Position: Defense
• Number: 2
• Hometown: Rockville, Md.
• Major: Sport Management (minor in coaching)
• Parents: Susan and John Beach
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Appeared in 22 games … earned starting role this spring and started all five games on defense … tallied 18 ground balls and five caused turnovers.
 
IN HER OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
OB: Adventure. I came to The Rock my freshman year pursuing an exercise science degree and was a late walk-on to the team. Now, I'm ending my journey with a sport management degree with a minor in coaching and was a starter this season. Through the many tears, sweat and surgeries, I have become an entirely different person than I was four years ago. I am grateful for all of the experiences I've had at The Rock both in the classroom and on the field.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
OB: My favorite memories from SRU would be attending sporting events throughout the year and traveling to the many different places with the team during spring breaks. 
 
• Most memorable game/event from your SRU career?
OB: The most memorable game from my SRU career would be the first game of my senior season. This was the first game I ever started and was the first win of the season! Earning a starting position on this team made everything worth it.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
OB: I will be graduating in August of 2020, earning a bachelor of science in sport management and a minor in physical education - coaching.
 
• Will you be attending graduate school? If so, do you know where and what major?
OB: I will be pursuing a master of science degree in sport and recreation leadership from James Madison University.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA? If not, what comes next for you?
OB: I am not planning on using my extra year of eligibility. I will be completing a final internship this summer to earn my undergraduate degree. I will be working at James Madison University in the athletics compliance office. After that, I will be attending JMU in the fall to begin my master's program.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
OB: My favorite class at SRU would be American Sport in the 21st Century, instructed by Dr. Higgs. This class was intriguing from beginning to end. We learned about historical moments that took place at sporting events and the impact that it had on shaping sports we see today. My favorite professor at SRU is Dr. Crow from the sport management department. He would make classes interesting and was a great mentor when I had questions about my future in the sports industry.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
OB: Come be part of something great. The academics here are high caliber with competitive athletic teams. But most of all, the support here from professors to coaches and the athletic administrative staff is tremendous. They are there to help guide you be the best that you can be. So if you are looking to be part of not only a team, but a community, come be part of The Rock family.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
OB: This season was a heartbreaker for everyone and every team. But I hope that these events have made you realize that being part of a team and playing at the college level doesn't last forever. So make the most of it. I hope that you use this feeling of unfinished business to help fuel you to keep grinding for next year's season. And truly play each practice and game like it is your last.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
OB: It has been an honor to wear the number 2 jersey with the name "The Rock" across it for my four years at SRU. The undying support from my family, friends, coaches, professors, community and the athletic department has made these four years the most memorable years of my life. Thank you for believing in me.

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 SAMANTHA GENTZLER  |  Roster Bio and Stats
• Position: Attack
• Number: 28
• Hometown: York, Pa.
• Major: Integrated Marketing Communications
• Parents: Lori Gentzler-Behler and William Behler
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Appeared in 44 games over four years … made 18 starts … tallied 23 goals and 38 points to go along with 20 ground balls … four-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete.
 
IN HER OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
SG: Irreplaceable
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
SG: Being with my teammates and friends at every turn in the road, Tori Penders teaching me how to sew, Olivia Beach being my singing buddy at any point any time of the day, going to North Country Brewing Company almost every weekend for a pub pretzel.
 
• Most memorable game/event from your SRU career?
SG: The home game versus Millersville last year when we were down 5-1 in the second half and then scored five goals in 1:15 to take the lead on the way to a win.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
SG: I will be graduating in May with a degree in integrated marketing communications.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA? If not, what comes next for you?
SG: I am not planning on using my extra year of eligibility. After graduation I am planning on moving to St. Louis to pursue a career in integrated marketing communications.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
SG: My favorite class at SRU was Interactive Multimedia. My favorite professor at SRU is Dr. Strahler.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
SG: To be an athlete at SRU doesn't just mean playing a sport, it means being a part of a family as well. My time here was well-spent and I will forever wish I got more time to play with my teammates.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
SG: Enjoy every second of it! The 300 run testing, 6 a.m. practices/lifts and every second you get to step out on the field with your team. We all know how quick it can end so take advantage of it while you still get it.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
SG: "Be an athlete" – coach Chris VanAlstyne

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TORI PENDERS  |  Roster Bio and Stats
• Position: Midfield
• Number: 20
• Hometown: Spencerport, N.Y.
• Major: Integrated Marketing Communications
• Parents: Kristin and Jeff Penders
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Started every game of her career, making 57 starts over four seasons … ranks sixth at SRU in career draw controls (135) … ranks 11th at SRU in caused turnovers (61) and 13th in ground balls (117) … scored 47 goals and 51 points … four-year PSAC Scholar-Athlete.
 
IN HER OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
TP: Unforgettable.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
TP: Whenever my team was together. I loved how close our team was all four of my years at SRU. Some of my favorite times were the Florida spring break team trip freshman year, snow day with the team and the team camping trip. I also have to throw in my all-time favorite place in Slippery Rock, North Country Brewery, where many memories have been made!
 
• Most memorable game/event from your SRU career?
TP: My favorite memory is from freshman year when our team made it to playoffs for the first time. It was a great feeling to be part of a team that was making history at SRU. I remember the energy being awesome after we won the last game before playoffs!
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
TP: I will be graduating in May with a degree in integrated marketing communications.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA? If not, what comes next for you?
TP: I am not planning on using my extra year of eligibility. I will be looking for a job in marketing or advertising.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
TP: I love the COMM department and have had very good professors that have helped me in various aspects of school and life. One professor that has had a significant impact on me during my time at SRU is Dr. Peiritsch. I would like to thank her for everything she has done for me since my freshman year. I have learned so much from her and the four classes I have taken with her. I will miss meeting with her for extra help and guidance during her office hours.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
TP: Slippery Rock is about more than just sports. The coaches, professors, and staff care about the students and their well-being. During my time at Slippery Rock, I was able to form relationships with friends, coaches and professors that I know I will continue to stay in touch with after I graduate. To high school student-athletes, I would say, make sure you look at the bigger picture when making your decision.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
TP: To my teammates, I am so sad that my time at SRU was cut short. There are so many things I wish I did sooner. Take every chance you get and don't wait to do anything; the time will fly by.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
TP: I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported me. Thank you to my coaches, athletic trainer Molly Parsons, my teammates and my family. In addition, I would also like to give a shoutout to Jon Holtz, Tyler McIntosh, Travis Wunsch and Noah Hastings for everything they do for Rock Nation. Working for them in the fall allowed me to see how much they do behind the scenes for every team at SRU. Not many people realize how much time they dedicate to making sure everything runs smoothly. On behalf of all athletes, thank you for making sure our friends and families can live stream our games when they can't make the trip to SRU. I know my family greatly appreciates it.

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SAVANNAH RENNER  |  Roster Bio and Stats
• Position: Defense
• Number: 16
• Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
• Major: Exercise Science
• Parents: Brenda and Frank Renner
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: Appeared in 36 games over three seasons … made 28 starts including every game of the last two seasons … tallied one assist to go along with defensive stats of 26 caused turnovers and 37 ground balls … three-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete.  
 
IN HER OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
SR: Rocky.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
SR: All of my walks to Sheetz freshman year with my friends.
 
• Most memorable game/event from your SRU career?
SR: When my teammate pulled her goggles off in the middle of the game to point at lightning.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
SR: I will be graduating this summer with a degree in exercise science.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA? If not, what comes next for you?
SR: I am not planning on using my extra year of eligibility. I will be completing an internship in the summer and then pursuing a career in the strength and conditioning field.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
SR: American Military Experience.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
SR: Do it. It's a crazy hectic ride but I wouldn't change my time as a student-athlete for anything.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
SR: Don't take it for granted and play every day like it is you last because you never know when it will be taken away from you.

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SHYANNE TOOMER  |  Roster Bio and Stats
• Position: Midfield
• Number: 34
• Hometown: Carnegie, Pa.
• Major: Biology
• Parents: Shannon Reichel and Kenney Toomer
 
• Quick SRU Highlights: All-PSAC and All-Region honoree in 2019 … ranks fourth in SRU history in caused turnovers (90), fifth in assists (44), eighth in draw controls (112), ninth in points (122) and 12th in goals (78) … ranks in the top 12 in SRU history in eight major statistical categories … appeared in 56 games and made 38 starts … four-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete.  
 
IN HER OWN WORDS
• One word you would use to describe your experience at Slippery Rock?
ST: Cherished.
 
• What is/are your favorite Memory/Memories from your time at SRU?
ST: My favorite memory from my time at Slippery Rock is scoring the game-winner my freshman year against our rival IUP with only a few seconds left. I will also never forget making it to playoffs for the first time in program history as a freshman.
 
• Most memorable game/event from your SRU career?
ST: The most memorable game for me would have to be our game in Florida against Florida Tech my junior year. We lost that game, but that was the most intense and high energy game I have ever played. The weather was perfect and it was nighttime under the lights, just an all-around fun game to play.
 
• When will you graduate? What will your degree be in?
ST: I will be graduating in May with a degree in biology.
 
• Will you be attending graduate school? If so, do you know where and what major?
ST: I will be attending another accelerated undergraduate program at the University of Pittsburgh to receive my bachelor of science degree in nursing. After this semester (if all goes as planned) I will visit a lot of my friends in their hometowns this summer to make up for lost time during the year. I also plan to coach South Fayette High School clinics this summer, as I do every summer. After the summer has come to an end, I will begin my next degree at Pitt.
 
• Do you plan to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA?
ST: I am not planning on using my extra year of eligibility.
 
• Favorite class and/or professor at SRU?
ST: My favorite class at SRU had to be pathogenic microbiology because we got to talk about a lot of disease causing organisms and learn more about small life on the planet, which I think is very fascinating and will be relevant to my field. I honestly love my entire department and am heartbroken that my time with them got cut so short, but I would have to say my favorite professor is Dr. Stacy Hrizo because she is one of the most honest, helpful, caring and inspirational women that I have met and I love seeing all that she has accomplished as a woman in science.
 
• What would you say to high school student-athletes thinking about coming to Slippery Rock?
ST: If you are having doubts about playing, try it out anyways. I only came to Slippery Rock because I got an amazing academic scholarship. I was not planning on playing a sport here at all, but I had a high school teammate already on the lacrosse team here who convinced me to play. I have made more sacrifices than I can count in my three and a half years here but the lifelong friendships and memories I made being part of this legacy were totally worth it.
 
• Any message you want to share with your teammates that are coming back next year?
ST: I will miss you all so much. I am so thankful for each and every moment we spent together. I am so sad my time with you got cut short but I wouldn't take back these years for anything. If you ever need advice you know how to reach me. As always, love each other and love the ride.
 
• Anything else you want to share with Rock Nation?
ST: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow as an athlete and as a human being. Being a student-athlete on campus has forced me to grow and develop in ways that I never would have if I had not been given this opportunity. I am so thankful to my professors, my peers, my coaches and the SRU faculty for the constant support. I will always have the utmost love and respect for SRU.
 

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OTHER SENIOR DAY CELEBRATIONS
- April 6 - Softball
- April 13 - Women's Tennis
- April 28 - Women's Lacrosse
- April 29 - Baseball
- April 30 - Men's Track and Field
- May 1 - Women's Track and Field



To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official athletic communication accounts on Twitter (@Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics), Instagram (RockAthletics) and Snapchat (@RockAthletics).