Shawra graduated from Deshler High School and was a member of the Lady Tigers varsity basketball team from 1998-1999 through 2001-2002. During her high school career she was a member of the Tiger teams that were County Champions, Area Champions, Regional Champions and State Runner-up. She scored 1354 points, had 397 rebounds, 309 steals and 375 assists in her high school career. She was All-County, All-Region, and All-State in both her junior and senior seasons along with being named All-Region MVP in 2000-2001. Additionally she played in the 2001 North/South All-Star game. Following high school Shawra received a scholarship to continue playing basketball at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville and then on to Martin Methodist in 2004-2005. Her coach at Martin described her as a point guard who had the quickness and athleticism to slice through defenses opening up their inside game.