Jolene Shepardson, appointed as the head coach of USF volleyball in 2020, brings a wealth of experience and success to the program. As a former player for USF, she played a pivotal role in securing two conference championships and NCAA Tournament qualifications in 2000 and 2002. Her dedication to the sport continued at the University of Tampa, where she earned accolades such as Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year and contributed to reaching the NCAA Division II National Championship match in 1999.

Transitioning into coaching, Shepardson showcased her prowess in program development. Her coaching journey includes significant stints at San Jose State and Cal State Bakersfield, where she orchestrated remarkable turnarounds. At San Jose State, she elevated the team from four wins to 17 over six seasons, marking the first winning season since 2006. Similarly, her tenure at Cal State Bakersfield witnessed an impressive transformation from a winless season to a record-setting 21 wins, coupled with notable conference standings and tournament advancements.

As a dedicated alumna and coach, Shepardson faced unique challenges during her tenure at USF, including navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, she led the Bulls through a building phase, fostering a young team with 14 underclassmen. With optimism and a stable foundation established over two true offseasons, Shepardson looks ahead to the 2023 season with confidence. Her commitment to the program has garnered support from the USF administration, with vice president of athletics Michael Kelly expressing excitement about the future of USF volleyball under Shepardson’s leadership.