Pope introduces Shepley as head women’s golf coach
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman Vice President for Athletics Matt Pope introduced former University of Tennessee women’s golfer and LPGA pro Jessica Shepley to be women’s golf program’s fifth head coach during a press conference Thursday morning in the Eagle Club Room at Burke-Tarr Stadium.
VIDEO: Jessica Shepley Presser
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman Vice President for Athletics Matt Pope introduced former University of Tennessee women's golfer and LPGA pro Jessica Shepley to be women's golf program's fifth head coach during a press conference Thursday morning in the Eagle Club Room at Burke-Tarr Stadium.
"We are truly excited to welcome a new Eagle to our nest," Pope said. "Our desire is to always find someone with character, passion and integrity, while also being highly competitive and a teacher. We think we've found that in Jessica Shepley."
Shepley joins the Carson-Newman women's golf program after roles at both Bethune Cookman and Lee University.
She served as the men's and women's assistant during the shortened 2020 Covid season at BCU as well as the women's assistant coach at Lee University in Cleveland, TN for the 2020-2021 season.
Durning her time at Lee, Shepley had the honor of joining the men's program during their post season play where they went on to win their regional bid and qualify for the Division II NCAA Golf Championship for the first time in program history.
"I'm excited to lead this women's program and have the opportunity to lead these young ladies," Shepley said. "It's a great opportunity to develop my skills, while also developing our players. I hope we are able to compete for national championships every year and be a mainstay for postseason play. To get there, we will need to be incredibly consistent. I want us to have great student-athletes who graduate and go on to contribute in a strong way to society. After playing some high-level golf."
Shepley turned professional after graduating from UT and played the next eight years on numerous tours around the world, including three seasons on the LPGA Tour (conditional status).
During her professional career she won five times and qualified for the 2013 United States Women's Open at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton NY.
Her professional wins came on The Canadian Women's Golf Tour (2), The Canadian Professional Golf Association Women's Championship (2) and the Futures Tour, developmental tour of The LPGA (1). Shepley also had the privilege of carrying the Olympic Torch through her hometown of Oakville, Ontario leading up to the 2010 Olympic Games held in Vancouver, Canada.
Shepley played golf for The University of Tennessee in Knoxville from 2001-2005 where she captained the women's golf team for 3 years. She had 12, top-10 finishes which was highlighted by a third place finish at the 2005 SEC Championship, a fourth-place finish at the 2004 SEC Championship and a fifth-place finish at the 2004 NCAA Championship.
She received NGCA All American honors that same year. During her time on Rocky Top Jessica received All-SEC Honorable Mention, First Team and Second Team honors.
Jessica was the SAAC women's golf representative for four years and received The University of Tennessee's Female Athlete Outstanding Community Service award in 2004. In 2005 she was UT's NCAA Sportsmanship Award recipient for her work in the community throughout her time in Knoxville.
She holds a bachelor's degree in communication, as well as a master's degree in sport administration from The University of Miami.
Shepley was born in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. She enjoyed a successful junior career that was capped off by winning both the Ontario Junior and Ontario Amateur Championships at the age of 18. She was also a member of the Canadian National Team. In addition to golf, Jessica excelled in basketball and volleyball during her elementary and high school years.
