Jackson Shepherd '16 Recruiting Profile

I would like to take courses that will help me pursue my interest in law enforcement and/or the legal system.  I want to prepare for furthering my education after college by going to Law School,  training for the FBI, or training to become a U.S. MarshaI.  My parents have encouraged me to choose a profession that pays well in hopes that I don't struggle financially in life. However, I told them that I want a career where I can actually make a difference in people's lives.

I believe I would be an asset to a college team.  I have been playing soccer consistently since 4th grade.  I began my travel soccer career in 5th grade playing spring and fall soccer every year.  My U15 team for Columbus Express won the Nike Challenge Tournament in Dublin, Ohio in 2013.  We also won the President's Cup for the State of Indiana the same year.  Our team played in the Regional President's Cup Tournament in Overland Park, Kansas defeating 2 of the 3 teams.  In 2014, our team played in the final game of the State Cup and came in 2nd place in the State Cup Tournament.   In 2012, I played with my high school varsity team in the Hoosier Cup Tournament as back-up goalie.  We also won that tournament.  I have been the top goalie in my age group every year except my first year with the Columbus Express Soccer Club, and I was the top goalie for the Muscatatuck Travel Soccer Club.  I have been asked for and have played with the South Central Soccer Academy this spring in a tournament in Evansville since their goalkeeper was injured.  I have played with older teams with the Columbus Express in a tournament in Indianapolis when their goalie was unavailable.  I have attended IU Soccer Camps for 3 years, Challenger Sports Camp, Camps at Columbus East and Jennings County High Schools, a Winter Training by Ernie Yarborough, assistant coach for Indiana University, as well as camps run by former college soccer players that were offered locally.  I have attended a Goalkeeper Plus camp last summer and intend to attend another one in 2015.   I was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year for my high school team in 2013.  In 2014, I was awarded Defensive Most Valuable Player, Hoosier Hills All-Conference Honorable Mention, Indiana Soccer Coaches Top Team Player  When our local newspaper's sports reporter came to observe our team, she told people that I was the most coachable athlete she'd ever seen.  She commented that I would listen to the coach's instruction and apply the skills he was trying to teach me.  Our goalkeeper coach has told my parents multiple times that he thinks I will be the best goalkeeper our high school has ever had.  (Including his own grandsons.)  I work hard, and I am eager to learn new techniques and skills to help me develop as a player and to benefit whatever team I am on.

I have been involved in many sports over the years.  I have played baseball, football, tennis, and wrestled.  I was on a top state and national archery team for 2 years.  I played basketball from preschool - 9th grade. I was awarded Most Improved at the freshman basketball awards banquet.  Although I love playing basketball, I have chosen to stop playing for the school and to dedicate more time to developing and improving my soccer skills.  (Although I kept active with basketball with church leagues and local pick-up games.)

Academically, I have always been a student who earned A's and B's.  I am taking classes to earn an Honor's Diploma at my high school.  I am taking honors classes and weighted classes.  I work hard and complete all of my assignments on time, and to the best of my ability.  My teachers tell my parents that I pay attention to instruction, participate in lessons, and take notes in class.  If I don't understand a concept/subject, I will actively seek help in order to improve my understanding of the topics.  In middle school, I was selected as one of 4 top students for my grade of 300-400 students.  I have participated in winning Spell Bowl Teams for 3 years, Academic Bowl teams for 2 years, and recently, I was on an Engineering team for a Purdue Engineering Challenge.  My team placed 2nd in our challenge and 2nd overall in the competition.  I have been in the High Ability (Gifted Talented Program) since 4th grade.  I have participated in Science Clubs, Reading Clubs, Spanish Club, and Yearbook clubs.  I was in the band for 2 years playing the saxophone, and in the choir for 2 years.

My character is that of a natural leader.  Since elementary, I have been a student leader in the schools I have attended.  I was voted treasurer and president of student council in elementary school.  We were an Honor Council in the state both years.   In middle school, I was selected for the Youth Involvement Team where members were selected by the teachers.  In high school, I have been elected class treasurer as a freshman and a sophomore.  I am currently running for class president.  I was recruited by the student council sponsors as a freshman to be on the council.  I am a trusted student in the school being selected to work in the guidance and main offices as a helper in my two years of high school.  I have been named student of the month or outstanding student every year of my school career thus far. In my community, I have organized and held fundraisers for Riley Children's Hospital, 3 children with cancer, Relay for Life, Jump Rope for Heart, in addition to other charities and fundraisers.  I have helped with community improvement projects in senior centers, parks, and trash clean up with the United Way Day of Caring.  I have gone to the nursing home and helped the senior citizens.  I have cleaned up trash multiple times for the Muscatatuck River Clean Up.  I have worked with our local Historical Society, in which I am a member, serving meals and leading tour groups for their annual events.  When our elderly neighbors lost their home to floodwaters, I helped with the clean up, and rebuilding their home.  I truly enjoy helping people and doing what I can to make their lives and our community better.  I don't do any of these things for awards, recognition, or compensation. I just enjoy helping people.  I was just hired tonight for my first job.  I worked with the Jennings County Schools for the summer as a technology assistant.   I helped update and install all of the computers/devices/software/phone systems to prepare for the 2014-2015 school year.  I continued working with the technology department at Jennings County High School during my Junior year.

I'm sure you see a lot of applicants, and many students have similar backgrounds.  I believe I have a strong sense of right and wrong, a good work ethic, and a desire to help others.  I hope that if you like what you are reading, or have questions, we can talk further and I can answer any questions you may have about me.

Update:  2014 State Cup Runner Up U16 Boys.  Team Ranked 2nd for U16 on GotSoccer.