(Park Hills, MO) Mineral Area College Athletics announced on Friday, Carrie Shephard will be the next head coach of the Lady Cardinals Basketball program.
Shephard takes over after a year as an assistant coach on Briley Palmer’s staff. In 2023-24 the MAC Lady Cardinals spent 12 weeks in the NJCAA National Poll and matched a program record 25 wins.
As a student-athlete, Shephard was twice named Class 2 Player of the Year while competing at South Pemiscot High School in Steele, Missouri. Her additional prep accolades include twice being nominated as a McDonald's All-American and being named Miss Show-Me Basketball in 2014. After high school, Shephard went on to play at the University of Missouri before transferring to Southeast Missouri State University. While at SEMO, she helped lead the Redhawks to the Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 2020.
In a press release from the MAC Athletic Department, Athletic Director Jim Gerwitz said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Shephard as our new head women's basketball coach. Carrie has the passion, energy, and knowledge to build on our recent success and guide our program to new heights."
Shephard shared her excitement on facebook:
“…So excited for this next step and just mind blown at all the things God has been doing in my life!! Always thankful to those who invest in me and keep me grounded!"
BIG things are happening here and I’m just thankful I was chosen to lead this next era of MAC Women’s Basketball! Stay tuned…”
She replaces Briley Palmer, who accepted a head coaching position at NCAA DI Southeast Missouri State University in May.