Eagle of the Week: Karli Shepherd

Freshman outside hitter Karli Shepherd has been dominating the Winthrop volleyball court since the start of the fall semester. 

At the Eagles’ most recent match on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Presbyterian, Shepherd hit a collegiate high of 15 kills, earning her a current total of 169 kills for the semester.

On Nov. 1, Shepherd was named Big South Freshman of the Week for the second time this season. Believing that being a team player is the most important quality an athlete can have, Shepherd accredits much of her recognition to her teammates.

“I was extremely thankful when I was named Big South Freshman of the Week,” Shepherd said. “Not only was I thankful for the award, but I was thankful for my teammates who make these awards possible. Everything I accomplish is also a reflection of my teammates and their hard work.

“People’s energy feeds off one another, whether it is good or bad energy; this is why it is extremely important to think about the team first. Our team motto is ‘we over me,’ and we try our best to implement it in all forms of our game,” she said.

Like many athletes, Shepherd’s volleyball days began when she was a toddler simply playing with her siblings.

“I started playing volleyball in the backyard with my sisters at the age of three. Once I turned six, I started playing in volleyball camps. In total, I have been playing in the gym for about 12 years,” Shepherd said.

Although her older sisters sparked the interest in volleyball, nobody inspires Shepherd like her father, who was “considered a legend” in their small Ohio town. 

“I aspired to be just like him when I grew up. I would walk through the high school hallways and pass his pictures from winning multiple state titles; I dreamed of being this successful,” Shepherd said. 

“I truly do not think I would be the player I am without him. I look up to his accomplishments and his character,” she said. 

“My dad gives the best advice when I need it the most. He always texts me before each game and tells me to give 100% effort, and he will always be proud of me. I will forever be thankful for my dad and all that he has done for me.”

Shepherd also dabbled in soccer, basketball and softball over the years, but volleyball became her true passion. 

“I decided to come to Winthrop for volleyball, the art program, and the location. I fell in love with the location of Winthrop because I used to live in Fort Mill. I wanted to be a part of a successful volleyball program, so I knew Winthrop would be a great fit,” Shepherd said.

Since life as a collegiate athlete can be quite challenging, especially for first–year students, Shepherd has been working diligently to remain organized by creating different lists and schedules to self-monitor her daily tasks. At the start of the fall 2021 semester, Shepherd made two main goals to work on through her first collegiate season.

“I wanted to improve my confidence on the court and to work hard in whatever role I have on the team. Whether my role was cheering on the sidelines or starting as an outside hitter, I wanted to fulfill my role to the best of my abilities,” Shepherd said. 

“I do not think I will ever be able to say ‘yes, I completed my second goal’ because I am constantly working my hardest to get better and improve in all aspects of my role,” she said.

Currently 15-9, the Eagles only have two games left before the Big South Tournament. The final matches of the season will consist of a home game on Nov. 10 against Gardner-Webb, followed by an away game at Radford on Nov. 12. 

“I am very grateful for this season so far,” Shepherd said. “We have an extremely talented team, and I’m excited to see what we accomplish at the end of the season.”