Sophomore Shannon Chang exceeds in an athletic arena that most Greenhill students have never even heard of.

Shannon competes in a sport called Poomse, which is a different style of Taekwondo that consists of a series of blocks, punches, and kicks.

In the sport, she is a second-degree black belt and will represent the United States at the

"Poomse has been an essential part of Taekwondo training because it simulates an attack from an imaginary opponent," said Master D.S. Lee, Shannon’s Poomse coach. "As one develops their skill level, the techniques become more challenging, and thus the individual adds the physical, such as speed, power, and timing, and the mental, such as focus, concentration, and attitude."

Master Lee described Shannon as a focused and determined student who possesses the unique combination of talent, work ethic, and perseverance.

"Some athletes have the dream and goals but lack talent, while others lack work ethic, but Shannon has it all," he said. "I know she will be very competitive and should do well [in the world competition]."

Shannon acknowledged that Taekwondo is a huge commitment that takes up a lot of her time. She practices two hours each day, and she also goes to Chang Lee’s TaeKwonDo Center three times a week in order to train with her coach.

After completing her freshman year, Shannon took off a year from school to train at Kyung Hee

During her year-long stay in Korea, Shannon had the opportunity to work with some of the best Poomse coaches in the country.

At first, her parents, Sangae and Haeyoung Chang, were reluctant to withdraw her from school for a year, but they said it was her "sheer determination" that persuaded them to allow her to train in Korea.

Shannon said she is grateful her parents allowed her to go overseas and believes that without the year abroad, she would not be the athlete she is today.

"I felt that [going to Korea] was necessary in order to improve and be the best in Poomse," Shannon said.

She said she was never especially interested in Poomse until 2008.

Before that spring, Shannon said she was mainly involved in Sparring, which is a different and more combative area of Taekwondo than Poomse.

However, recurring ankle sprains prevented her from continuing this sport. She then discovered Poomse, which puts less stress on her ankle.

"I was disappointed when the doctor advised me to stop sparring, but I was determined to be the best I could be in Poomse," Shannon said.

Not one to let an injury keep her from achieving her goals, Shannon said she has set high expectations and pushed herself to reach her goals.

"I’ve accomplished my goal of succeeding within the United States and becoming a National team member," she said. "My goals for the future are to get a gold medal in Cairo, Egypt [at the World Championships] and to remain a U.S. National Team Member for the next three years."

Shannon’s family, friends, and coach said they are all proud of her accomplishments, and they expect great results at the Poomse World Championship.

"We are utterly proud of her," Shannon’s parents said.