This is the second of four profiles about the 2026 inductees of the EMU Athletic Hall of Honor. For more information about the Hall of Honor and a full list of inductees, visit emuroyals.com/honors/hall-of-honor.
Sarah Roth Shank ’10 faced a difficult college choice: follow her siblings to Goshen College to play soccer or attend EMU to continue her field hockey career. She chose EMU, a decision that launched an outstanding athletic career and opened the door to countless opportunities beyond the field.
A history major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with minors in pre-law, political studies, and peacebuilding, Roth Shank was a four-year midfielder for Royals field hockey, helping lead the team to four consecutive ODAC championship game appearances. She earned All-ODAC honors three times, including First Team recognition in 2007 and 2009, was twice named to the VaSID All-State Second Team, and earned a spot on the 2009 All-ODAC Tournament Team. In 2010, she received the EMU President’s Award, recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, faith, leadership, campus involvement, and community service.
Beyond athletics, Roth Shank embraced campus life.
“I was highly driven and wanted to be involved,” she said. “I didn’t need to just hyperfocus on playing my sport. I was able to do that, go on a cross-cultural, and be involved in student leadership.”
After spending the past nine years in New Zealand, while she earned a PhD in public policy and restorative justice, Roth Shank is returning to the United States with her husband, Benjamin ’10, and their two children. The family is settling in Columbus, Ohio, where she will continue her consulting work while teaching university courses at Ohio Wesleyan University.
Roth Shank will be honored at a ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, during Homecoming 2026. For a full schedule of Homecoming events and activities, visit emu.edu/homecoming.
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