Shawn Sherman

For Shawn Sherman, founder of The SQUARE 1 System and current resident of Mount Pleasant Mills, PA, the path to entrepreneurship and movement innovation began long before he launched his company—it started on the courts and in the classrooms of Penn State. A 1995 graduate with a degree in Exercise Physiology, Shawn built a foundation rooted in both scientific understanding and hands-on experience, ultimately shaping a career dedicated to human movement, performance, and wellness.

As an undergraduate, Shawn’s life at Penn State was defined by his dual love of physical activity and the outdoors. Some of his fondest memories revolve around long days and late nights playing basketball with friends at the IM Building and Rec Hall. Whether it was heated pickup games or casual shootarounds, those courts felt like a second home. When he wasn’t competing on the hardwood, Shawn found peace in the region’s remarkable trout streams. The combination of adrenaline-fueled games and serene fishing getaways created a perfectly balanced Penn State experience—one filled with both excitement and relaxation.

Academically, Penn State’s Kinesiology program gave Shawn more than just textbook knowledge. It provided a strong blend of coursework and practical experience that proved invaluable as he entered the professional world. His senior-year internship was especially significant—a challenging, real-world requirement that sharpened his skills and gave him confidence heading into job interviews and early career opportunities. That hands-on learning made his transition into the workforce not just manageable but successful.

Among all his memories, one event stands above the rest: the unforgettable Penn State vs. Indiana men’s basketball game in 1994 at Rec Hall. Sherman remembers the atmosphere as electric—standing-room-only crowds, deafening noise, and an intensity that made every possession feel monumental. With Penn State up by four and just 31 seconds left, an upset over the nation’s #1 team felt within reach. But a rapid Indiana comeback, fueled in part by what Shawn still calls a “totally bogus” offensive foul, sent the game into overtime. Despite the Nittany Lions’ determination, Indiana ultimately pulled out the win. The heartbreak was real, but so was the thrill. For Shawn, it remains the most memorable moment of his four years at Penn State.

After graduation, Sherman moved to the Chicagoland area, where he built both his business and his family. In 2020, he was grateful to return to the beauty and familiarity of central Pennsylvania—a full-circle moment that brought him back to the place that shaped so much of his personal and professional journey.

From the basketball courts of Rec Hall to the creation of The SQUARE 1 System, Sherman’s story reflects the power of passion, practical experience, and the lifelong impact of a Penn State education.

This profile was published December 2025.