USF Volleyball Coach, Jolene Shepardson, on a Full Court, Full House and Full Heart
Balancing the demands of motherhood with the pressure of leading a Division One athletic program sounds like a most-challenging-mission. For Jolene Shepardson, the University of South Florida’s head volleyball coach, the mission is possible. Shepardson’s mom and coach roles complement one another, making the whole family stronger. With five children at home, 18 student-athletes on the court and a career built on resilience, Shepardson is a testament to the joys of persistence.
Five Set
Shepardson’s journey to motherhood was difficult. For six years, she and her husband, Aaron, struggled with infertility — being told children might not be in their future. Today, the mother of 13, 11, 10, 7, and 5-year-olds doesn’t take a single moment for granted.
“People think we’re crazy having five kids in this profession,” Shepardson laughs. But, when you’re told you can’t have kids, every challenge, every sleepless night and every hectic day feels more like a blessing.”
Days are long, beginning at 5 a.m. and wrapping at 9:30 p.m. Family time in the evenings is a priority. “We read, talk, listen to music, and I try giving each child one-on-one attention. It’s not always easy with five, but those moments are so important.”
Motherhood has shaped the ways Shepardson approaches all aspects of life. Her mindset to life’s bound-to-happen challenges: bring it on. She and Aaron are open to having more children, believing that “Even the hard parts feel worth it.”
Assist
With a demanding recruiting schedule, long practice days and weekend tournaments, the logistics of family life are a family affair. Her husband, who coached alongside Shepardson for 17 years, stepped away from the profession to assume more responsibilities in the family’s day-to-day life.
“Because our family’s schedule is so rigorous, Aaron transitioned to more involvement on the home front,” Shepardson says. With the kids growing and pursuing their own activities and passions, having them tag along to practices hasn’t been feasible. Shepardson is grateful for the communal effort involved in helping all family members thrive, noting her own mom as a saving grace. “When I’m on the road, my husband’s there. When I’m home, I give all I can. Together, we make it work.”
Center Line
Shepardson’s players also see her as, beyond coach, a mother figure. Her children have grown up in the gym — from attending practices as infants to cheering from the stands as big kids. The Shepardson family and USF volleyball team are inextricably intertwined. “My kids know every single player,” Shepardson notes. “They cheer for them at every match, and my players love it. It creates this beautiful family environment.”
When the team went to Brazil, the Shepardson family traveled along. “We were gone for 11 days, and I didn’t want to be away from the kids that long. Having both of my loves — my family and my team — was incredible.”
Shepardson wants her children, especially her daughters, to see that women don’t have to choose between family and career. “It is tough, for sure, but I want them to understand that it does not have to be an either-or situation.”
Server
Shepardson’s coaching includes a blend of life and volleyball lessons. “I tell my players I’ll be their trampoline — when they fall, they’ll rebound quickly.” The 18 young women under her leadership trust her support because she models vulnerability. “When my dad passed away and my mom was diagnosed with cancer, the team saw me cry,” Shepardson recalled. “I expressed I needed to lean on them. If I want them to be vulnerable, I must be vulnerable as well.”
That openness has cultivated a culture of honesty on her team. “When I let my guard down, they let their guard down. Players see that, as invested as I am in my own kids, I still make space for them as players and as people with lives off the court.” Shepardson is intentional in having regular check-ins with players, keeping a strong pulse check on their overall well-being. “It’s key to me that players understand life always presents challenges, but they do have both the capacity and support system to navigate them.” Focused on nurturing perseverance, Shepardson’s goals at USF transcend wins and losses.
The coach also wants players’ parents to feel reassured: “I think of these young women like they’re my daughters. I know what it’s like to hand your child over to someone else, and I take my responsibility to heart.”
Rotation
Both of Shepardson’s parents coached college teams. Gyms were second homes, and her perspectives on balance and coaching are deeply rooted in her upbringing.
“My dad coached basketball at Hillsborough Community College, and my mom coached volleyball and softball at the University of Tampa. I grew up in an environment of strong, confident women. I saw teamwork and resilience. I loved it.”
The Shepardson children are growing up in a similar setting. “They see student-athletes who are disciplined and passionate. They see women who are strong. I believe it’s a great environment for kids.”
Jump Serve
From infertility struggles to the demands of Division One coaching, Jolene Shepardson’s story is one of resilience, gratitude and love. By weaving family and career, Shepardson shows both her players and her children that leadership doesn’t mean sacrificing one part of yourself for another.
“Even the chaos is a blessing. It means I get to do what I love with the people I love most.”
Cheer on the hometown team at the 2025 American Athletic Conference Volleyball Championship:
- Dates: November 21-23, 2025
- Venue: The Corral at Yuengling Center, Tampa
- Box Office: 1-813-974-3004
Check for youth ticket pricing and group discounts to make it an affordable family outing!
Want to catch the game? Check out the full schedule:
- USF Football vs. Charlotte
- Raymond James Stadium
- October 3
- 7 pm
- Theme: Flashback Friday
- USF Football vs. Florida Atlantic University
- Raymond James Stadium
- October 18
- Theme: Homecoming
- USF Women’s Volleyball vs. Temple University
- The Corral
- October 19
- 12 pm
- USF Women’s Soccer vs. Charlotte
- Corbett Stadium
- October 19
- 1 pm
For tickets, visit Bulls Tickets – USF Athletics.
Originally published in the October 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.
Related: