Team Tampa Bay's Take with Joey Johnston - Leading by Example with USF's Jolene Shepardson
A Conversation with USF Volleyball Coach Jolene Shepardson
By Joey Johnston
When USF volleyball coach Jolene Shepardson says she wants a family atmosphere around her program, you know it’s not a well-rehearsed slogan or a tired cliche.
As the Bulls prepare for the Road 2 Tampa Bay Volleyball Invitational — joining the Florida Gators, Penn State Nittany Lions and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for the Aug. 25-26 season-opening event at downtown Tampa’s Amalie Arena and USF’s Yuengling Center — there’s constant evidence of family ties around USF’s program.
And it goes much deeper than the close-knit nature of its players.
Shepardson is the mother of five — ages 11 to 3 — and the kids are a constant presence around the court. The Bulls players love it.
“My goodness, those kids have a lot of energy,’’ Bulls setter Tatiana Johnson said. “How can you not love it?’’
There's driven and detailed Mirabelle (11), free-spirited McCoy (9), competitive Marielle (8), lover/hugger Major (5), and Malonne (3), who normally steals everyone’s heart.
Shepardson, formerly the head coach at Cal State Bakersfield and San Jose State, was pregnant with Malonne when she got the USF job in 2020 and the brood of five was completed in Tampa.
More than a dozen years ago, Aaron and Jolene Shepardson were told they couldn’t have children. It was devastating and heartbreaking news … that they refused to accept. They kept trying, consulted with different doctors and the rest is now history. The oldest child was named Mirabelle, a name rooted in the word “miracle’’ — because she was their miracle baby.
“Put it this way: I’m never bored,’’ Shepardson said with a laugh. “I’m a coach. I’m a mom. Sometimes, it’s hard to separate the two because there’s always crossover. I probably treat our players like I’m their mom.
“In one of my opening speeches about our expectations, I told them I’m going to care about every little detail off the court to make sure you’re comfortable, whether it’s your food, your nutrition, your safety, your health. You’re going to be pushed and challenged. But you will be welcomed like family. We will be honest and direct because we care about you as a person.’’
Shepardson, formerly Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year at Tampa Prep then a USF standout, grew up as a complete gym rat. Her father was a men’s basketball coach at Hillsborough Community College and her mother was a volleyball coach at the University of Tampa.
She’s accustomed to crazy schedules and controlled chaos. But most importantly, she wants her players to feel the bonds that can only come through family.
“I was attracted by her vision, her ability to flip around teams and build something that lasts,’’ Johnson said. “Her personality draws you in. She’s our biggest cheerleader. She’s super, super bubbly.
“But we also have an environment where we do everything together. We have dinners. We feel welcomed. It’s a caring, loving atmosphere. It is definitely like a family.’’
Bulls outside hitter Ragan Kinard said she was impressed during recruiting when Shepardson worked hard to build a personal relationship. Ultimately, Kinard said she felt Shepardson was the type of coach who would be there in the good times, of course, but also when there were struggles.
“She values good relationships,’’ Kinard said. “We’re with our teammates for a lot of hours during the week. It can get trying, tense and emotional at times. But it’s very evident in this USF program that whatever we’re going through, we’re going through it together. That’s a comfort. That was a good fit for me.
“We really want to get this thing moving in a good direction. I think we’re on the same page for sure, working together and supporting each other.’’
At USF, they play together.
And they also stay together.
Leading By Example Columns