Get to Know Your Fellow ScoopDucker - Shelby Smith

Continuing on in our series we get to know another fellow ScoopDucker. This time our beloved ‘Jell-O Shot Queen.’

Shelby took some time answering the questions and talking about her personal life and being a Duck fan. Let’s get right into her story below.

1. What were some of the biggest reasons you started becoming an Oregon fan? Was it parent influence or going to school at UofO or something else? How long have you been a fan?

“I wasn’t raised with football but I do have a vivid memory of watching Joey Harrington in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl and my mom buying me an Oregon water bottle. During middle and part of high school I was on the cheer team and taught the rest of the squad some football basics so they knew when to cheer LOL. I went to UO in Fall 2009 and was instantly hooked on Ducks football. I hadn’t consistently followed them until that point though I’d always proudly claimed them as my team. Fun fact: I went to Oregon because I was a successful high school debater and planned to continue in college. Oregon has one of the most successful debate programs in the country!”

2. When did you know you were hooked as an Oregon fan?

“Game days while in college were just so much fun. Wake up, do a little pregame with friends, tailgate, walk to Autzen, enjoying games, just everything. It felt like I was connected to a big community and being a Duck fan is really about the whole experience for me. And yeah, I was absolutely known for making Jell-O shots in college.” 

3. Do you remember your first game at Autzen? What do you remember about that game if so? What was your favorite game ever at Autzen?

“October 3, 2009 against WSU. I was finally living in Eugene as a freshman and scored a ticket to the game on that awful website where you had to get in the queue. Walked to the game with a bunch of girls from the dorm and did that magical Autzen walk for the first time. I just became obsessed with it. 

Favorite game at Autzen is TOUGH.  Michigan state 2014 holds a special place in my heart because it was the first game my now husband and I went to together. We joked that I was just with him because he had Michigan State tickets LOL. That atmosphere was fantastic. UW 2018 was also magical and I have some great pictures on the field after. This Husky fan in front of us turned around and said, “omg he’s gonna fuck it up” right before that missed FG.” 

4. Who was your favorite Duck growing up and has that player been replaced as an adult? Who has been your favorite coach?

“LMJ always and forever  I watch his highlight videos a few times per year because he was just so freaking fun. “Statement Statement Statement!” Favorite player hasn’t changed but I’ve had the pleasure of forming personal connections with a few of the current guys and it’s just made me that much more invested. If any of those guys do something great I am jumping and screaming so hard. Ajani Cornelius is my “football bestie” and we’ve gotten to know him over the last year. His mom and family are at our tailgates and they are just the coolest people. Catch me in my 65 jersey this year! 

Chip was the coach during my 4 years at Oregon so I’ve got a soft spot for him. We will see what Dan brings and I’m incredibly hopeful.” 

5. Do you have a ‘bucket list’ stadium you would like to see Oregon play in?

“Another toughie. We have travelled a lot(33 away games total) and so I’m looking forward to checking out the Midwest. The Big house and a Penn State white out have been bucket list games. I’d also love to go to some SEC stadiums and tailgate.” 

6. What do you think about the current team and your thoughts on Dan Lanning?

“I was critical of the Lanning hire at first but damn I love him. Saw him at the NSD event in February and told him that some of my friends were afraid he was going to leave and I told them I would see him on February 12th and give him a hug. Dan immediately bear hugged me and said, “You knew I wouldn’t go.” I also told him that I’m getting a Ducks tattoo when we finally win the big one and he promised he would do everything he can to get me that tattoo. He’s the best.” 

7. Talk to us a bit about your personal life now. Where do you live now and where did you grow up? What’s one childhood memory (trip or other) you would like to share? 

“I live in Happy Valley and have been here my whole life except for my 4 years in Eugene. Jseahawks and I discovered that he was a substitute teacher of mine a few years ago! I met my husband Kyle on Match.com in January 2014 by sending him a message that said, “I see you are a Ducks fan. I’m currently watching the 2012 Rose Bowl that I have DVR’d. What are you doing?” We consider the Ducks  a part of our lifestyle and have enjoyed traveling for games, tailgating and meeting lots of great people. We even had the Duck at our wedding!”

8.What do you do for work and what do you enjoy most about your job? 

“I’m the head of Talent Acquisition for a veterinary health company based out of the other Portland(Maine). It’s a difficult but rewarding job. My biggest professional accomplishment was building the TA team from 1 to 16 people and hiring a ton of great staff to take care of pets. I’m a dog mom and obsessed with my dog so it’s fun to do something you care about. My dream job is Director of Recruiting for Oregon Football so if anyone can get me an interview…. ;)”

9. What are a few things you like to do in your free time? Is there some place you enjoy taking a vacation? Do you have kids or family you spend a lot of time with? 

“We love traveling and just got back from Bora Bora(an unbelievable place). I enjoy spin classes and walking by the river with my dog. We got a boat in 2020 and I just love sunshine and the water and hope to learn to wakeboard and wake surf this summer.” 

10. Where would you like to retire? 

“What’s retirement?! I’m 32 so I’ve got some time to think on it ;)” 

11. What’s one of the greatest moments of your life? What made that moment so special to you? 

“Dancing to “Shout” at our wedding with my new husband and the Oregon Duck. We got married in July 2021 after postponing our July 2020 wedding. The Duck was able to make it and surprised our guests by running out while our photographer took a group picture so we got everyone’s reactions! I won our DJ at the Women’s clinic silent auction and DJ Mike DJs all of the recruiting and team events-he’s the best! Our vows even said, “In ducks wins and ducks losses.” 

***Something I wanted to add***

In December 2022, Kyle and I were driving to the Holiday Bowl from LAX to SD to complete our “perfect season” of going to every game home & away. We were provided with a rental car the police deemed “unfit to be on the road” and our rear wheels lost traction on the Ford Mustang we were driving. Our car did 1.5 spins across multiple lanes of traffic on 405 in LA and we slammed into a semi truck while facing oncoming traffic. We both were certain we were going to die in that moment but somehow didn’t. I’m still dealing with chronic pain and have had multiple periods of time where I couldn’t walk without horrible pain and haven’t been able to lift almost anything in over a year. I don’t say this for sympathy, but I say this because my life perspective has changed. Little things I would take for granted are now things I say, “I can’t believe I’m alive to see this.” It’s cheesy, but live in every moment because you don’t know when you won’t have those again. Oh and we did make it to the holiday bowl.”