Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Development Staff Profile — Graduate Assistant Gabriella Shepherd
05/01/2019 | 7:35:00 | General
Shepherd grew up knowing and supporting the Salukis. Both of her parents are SIU alumni so Saluki pride runs deep in her family.
As a student-athlete, Shepherd was a four-year letter winner and member of the 2015 Saluki volleyball team that earned SIU's first ever at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. She assists the Saluki Development team with office management and donor relations.
What is your connection to SIU?
I was a four-year member of the Saluki women's volleyball team. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Special Education from the university and I am currently enrolled in the SIU Graduate School of Education working toward my Masters in Educational Administration and Higher Education. I work as a Graduate Assistant for the SIU Athletic Development team. Both of my parents graduated from SIU, as did two of my uncles so the Saluki Pride in my family runs deep.
Why do you give to SIU Athletics/SASF?
I was a non-scholarship athlete during my athletic career at SIU but I received all of the same support, benefits and experiences that a scholarship athlete received. I give to the Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund and SIU Athletics because of my experiences, opportunities, and the life lessons experienced that playing intercollegiate athletics provided to me along my journey. SIU alumni and donors play a critical role in our program funding and our college experiences as a student-athlete. I give back because I want to see Saluki Athletics set a standard of excellence and get back into the national spotlight consistently. Today in my Graduate Assistant role, I work to help current and future Saluki student-athletes have the same opportunities and experiences as I did.
Tell us about some of the best SIU memories that you have?
I have great memories of my coaches and teammates who had a great impact on me and I have been able to build relationships inside and outside of the sport that will last a lifetime. One of the best memories I have is being a part of our 2015 team that earned the first ever at-large bid to the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. We had completed the best season in school history that year and played the University of Illinois in the first round at Louisville, KY.
Why should others give to SIU?
SIU is a great university with a lot of history. I would encourage all former Saluki alumni and athletes to give back to the university that laid the foundation for their past and future success. You will have an opportunity to directly impact someone's life in the most positive and beneficial way. I believe SIU is a university that focuses on individual growth and elevates people to the next level—it is place that fosters lifelong friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.
