Shaon Berry
Bio
After more than 18 years as a Human Resource Executive, Shaon Berry decided to merge two of his life’s passions – the desire to be entrepreneur and junior athletics. Berry, who played running back at the University of Pittsburgh saw the need to establish a credible authority in effectively teaching, evaluating, recognizing and rewarding student athletes in the hopes of creating a stronger class of tomorrow’s role models . An admitted under-achiever as a Christian, college student and player, Berry’s heartfelt desire is to mentor young men with similar interests and desires. The unique connection he believes can positively impact both their spiritual development and their individual passion for sports, in particular their college football recruiting. Drawing on his academic experience from the University of Pittsburgh and Cornell University’s executive management program, Berry enlisted the help of former college teammates as well as professional players and coaches, and formed Junior Rank in early 2009.
In January of 2011 Berry formed a unprecedented partnership with the nation’s top football scout Tom Lemming and the nation’s greatest fighting force, The United States Marine Corps. Berry was able to enlist the support of USMC Commandant Jim Amos, Major General Ronald Bailey and CBS Sports television in creating the United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl and Proving Ground National Combine. These nationally televised events serve as showcases for the nation’s best future football prospects, differentiating itself by including Character, Discipline and Academic Excellence in the player selection process, all of which make up Juniorrank’s core values.
Christ remains the center of each Juniorrank athletic event, with non-denominational worship services made available for all athletes, coaches and parents giving a unique opportunity to share individual faith and the word of God. A relatively new Christian, Shaon and his wife Karla gave their hearts to the Lord in the spring of 2000 and reside in the Chicago suburb of St. Charles, with their 3 kids: Karley – 18, Justin 13 and Jordyn age 9.
