CLEVELAND — Truett McConnell University President Dr. Emir Caner recently announced the hiring of Jenni Shepard as the new Director of Athletics at Truett McConnell University, effective immediately.
Dr. Caner commented on the hiring of the familiar face of Jenni Shepard, saying, "I am absolutely thrilled that Coach Shepard has agreed to lead our Athletic Department. Her dedication to the Lord is evident to all who spend time with her. Her love for students is contagious. Our athletic programs will thrive under her leadership."
Shepard has served as the Interim Athletic Director since the end of October 2017. She became the Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations in 2010 and the Associate Athletic Director in 2016, as well as serving on numerous internal and Appalachian Athletic Conference committees.
In April of 2005, Shepard began working at Truett McConnell as the Head Softball Coach. She led the foundation for the beginning of the current softball program at Truett McConnell with its first season in 2006. This year marks Shepard's 13th season as the Head Softball Coach at Truett McConnell. During her tenure, Shepard has seen the softball program grow from an inaugural team, which competed as a junior college, to a NAIA program, which competes as a member of the AAC. Shepherd makes it a priority to be a Godly example to her players and coaches in a way that fosters spiritual growth among each individual player. Shepard has garnered numerous Coach of Character awards in here coaching career at Truett McConnell.
"I have a deep love for Truett McConnell University and this athletic program," said Shepard. "I am very grateful for the trust that Dr. Caner and the administration has placed in me and cannot wait to see what we accomplish. TMU is a great family atmosphere, and I am thankful to be able to work with our coaches, faculty, and staff on a daily basis. I am excited about the future for athletics at TMU, as we continue to make God first in everything we do."
A native of Toccoa, Ga., Shepard graduated Cum Laude from Piedmont College in Demorest, Ga., with a Bachelors of Arts degree in 2003. She continued her education and received her Master's in Early Childhood Education in 2005. A standout collegiate athlete, Shepherd was a first team All-Conference outfielder, first team All-Conference catcher, and a two year letter winner in Cross County at Piedmont College. Some of her athletic and academic accolades include: GSAC Player of the Week, NCCAA Player of the Week in the Nation, NCCAA Academic All-American, and twice a member of the NCCAA South Region Team. She was a member of the Alpha Lamda Delta honor society, a three time member of the GSAC All-Academic Team, a two year captain, a two time member of NFCA All-Academic Team, and a member of Chi Alpha Sigma Georgia Gamma Chapter, a national college athlete honor society.
Shepard married her husband Josh in 2009, and they became parents to twins, Jack and Zoe, on February 7, 2012.
