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She double majored in criminal justice and psychology at ����Ӱҵ University, played on the university’s women’s basketball team on a full-ride scholarship, and now Jessica Shields is taking her skills and competitive drive to “ ����ӰҵAmazing Race” on CBS. Unlike past episodes, this season features a unique twist. Shields is going to be paired up with a complete stranger for the 29th season and race around the world for a $1 million prize.

Shields told CBS that she is very specific about who her partner should be.

“Nobody who complains, whines, cries, nothing,” she laughed and looked into the camera with a smile. “If you whine on national TV, I don’t want you as my partner.”

Shields played on the ����Ӱҵ women’s basketball team from 2007-2011. ����Ӱҵ6-foot-3-inch player was homeschooled in Youngstown until 6th grade. She says she found herself through basketball. 

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“Basketball brought me through high school and got me a full-ride scholarship at ����Ӱҵ,” Shields said. “So, I’ve been competing my whole life.”

“I am so proud of Jessica,” said Lori Bodnar, former associate head coach for ����Ӱҵ’s women’s basketball. “She has worked long and hard to accomplish her dream, and I am happy to see her get a chance to achieve it.”

Shields says that competitive edge is what will help her and her future teammate win the race. Her ideal partner for the show is a man, because that is who she is used to working with at the Youngstown Police Department in Ohio. Shields is the first female K-9 officer for the city, patrolling with her German Shepard Hector “the protector.”

“I’m not afraid of anything,” she said. “You be the smart person, and I will do the dirty work.”

Shields has some tough competition. ����Ӱҵshow will open up with 22 contestants with a wide variety of professions from military personnel to realtors, a marching band drum major, auctioneer, butcher, pro snowboarder, wall street banker, mom, artist and an attorney – just to name a few.

“ ����ӰҵAmazing Race” will air on CBS on Thursday, March 30, at 10 p.m.

����Ӱҵ����Ӱҵ community is encouraged to send well wishes to Jessica on social media using #FlashesForever.

By: Kristin Anderson