By: Joe Shouse, Sportswriter
HAVILAND – The Wayne Trace Lady Raiders have completed half their regular season and stand at 11-1, riding a 10 game winning streak. The team is having success because they play as a “team”. It’s not about any one player but a group of young ladies working together to continue the winning tradition for which Wayne Trace is noted.
One of the players on the team who brings a competitive spirit and a desire to win is senior Kaylee Shepherd. The 5-8 guard for Head Coach Bethany DeJarnett is an important part of a team that relies on solid defense and uptempo play.
“I know I am not going to be a leading scorer but I know what my role is and it’s up to me to do those things that the team needs, like rebounding and playing good defense,” said Shepherd.
It’s not a surprise that Kaylee has that “edge” when it comes to playing sports. Shepherd comes from a sports-minded family. Her father, Dan, a Wayne Trace grad, was a member of the 1991 Raider state championship team. His name can be spotted throughout the Raider record book including career “3s” with 114, good for tenth place. Kaylee’s brother, Cole, played from 2013-16 and experience a trip to the final four, holds down the sixth spot in two-point field goal percentage at 61 percent.
Heather, Kaylee’s mother, graduated from Allen East also played basketball as well. Her sisters, Allie and Gracie played various sports with Gracie currently playing basketball on the eighth grade team.
Kaylee, a three sport athlete also participates in volleyball and track but admits that basketball is her favorite.
“My whole family played sports and I guess you could say it runs in the family and that’s what motivates me. My parents attend every game and are very supportive. We will talk about it and maybe what I need to work on but I certainly don’t feel any pressure from them. They are always very positive. I guess I could say they are my biggest fans,” said Kaylee.
Another fan of Kaylee’s is her current basketball coach Bethany DeJarnett who refers to her starting guard as “Shep”.
“She is a super hard worker and one of the strongest to go through the Wayne Trace basketball program. Shep is a great leader who works hard in practice and on her own. Her team play and competitiveness is so valuable to our team,” DeJarnett commented.
Away from the court, Shepherd is still the same competitive person who works hard in the classroom. A member of the student council and National Honor Society, she is taking college classes through Northwest State that are offered at Wayne Trace.
“Time management is something I need to work on. There is practice, games, and homework that keeps me focused and takes up much of my time. I don’t have a lot of free time but when I do I enjoy photography, but most of my time is spent in the gym.”
When looking at someone who Kaylee looks up to or admires she was quick to say her dad. When ask to explain she said, “ It’s his work ethic. He always told me that when you work hard you get what you deserve and that good things will come when you work for it. That’s what I’ve done in the classroom or on the court,” said Kaylee.
Looking at her time at Wayne Trace she compares it to being like home where everyone is friendly and knows each other. However, graduation is just a few months away and it’s not surprising that she has a plan for her future.
“I will be going to Purdue Fort Wayne and get my degree in elementary education. I would like to return to this area and teach. This is where I am from, this is home, and I think it’s a great place to live,” she said.
Future plans and goals are nice to think about, but it’s down the road a bit. In the meantime, the quiet, soft spoken Shepherd, who, by her own admission says she is not all that outgoing and is somewhat shy in front of a group of people, has a few more basketball games to play.
With hard work, determination, and a supporting cast called family, she will succeed in whatever she does, Hitting a winning free throw, setting a best time in the 300 hurdles and even when the hard earned Wayne Trace diploma is placed in her hands, it will be celebrated the right way. After all, like her dad said – good things come to those who work at it.
