Shandeen (Hunt) Gomez took a long path, literally, for her induction into the Salem High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Gomez spent the first two years of her prep career at Newcomb, New Mexico and twice helped lead that school’s basketball program to the state tournament. Newcomb had a combined 45-5 record during those two years.

Gomez made the move to Illinois for her junior year and followed Newcomb basketball coach Janet Holst to Salem. Gomez continued her success on the hardwood with the Lady Wildcats and was an All-North Egypt Conference First Team selection in both her junior and senior seasons.

Gomez’ athletic talents carried beyond basketball at Salem. It carried over to track and volleyball. During her junior track season Gomez was a member of the NEC 3200-meter relay champions. She was also a starting setter on the 1996 Lady Wildcats volleyball team that went 26-7, won the NEC and regional championships and advanced to the sectional championship games.

Gomez received a basketball scholarship at Illinois State University and was a four-year letter winner for the Lady Redbirds (1997-2001). During her time at ISU Gomez led the Lady Redbirds in three-point field goals made with 32 during the 2000-01 season. At the time of her induction, Gomez still ranked ninth at ISU in career three-point field goals (91), ninth in career three-point field goal attempts (262), tenth in career three-point field goal percentage at 35 percent (91 for 264) and 25th in career assists (193).

After graduation from ISU, Gomez became a child services specialist at Catholic Charities West Side Head Start Program.