After career prolonged, Jamie Shepherd leaving BYU soccer in record books

PROVO — Time comes for every man and woman, athlete or not, but time had a way of stretching itself to the fullest for BYU senior Jamie Shepherd.

The Cougars' "Iron Woman" and all-time leader in appearances at 99 (all starts) will play her final regular-season match at South Field with 11 seniors Monday at 6 p.m. MDT.

But after an extra season provided by the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the program's first-ever NCAA championship game appearance and the chance to lead BYU into its first season in the Big 12, the former American Fork star wouldn't have it any other way.

"I can't believe that we're to this point. It makes me sad, but also very excited to be able to celebrate such a great career at BYU. I've loved it so much," said Shepherd, a defensive midfielder who has 14 goals and 18 assists since 2019. "We're excited to be back at South Field to end the regular season against UCF, which is a great team. It's going to be a great battle. But we're excited to be out there, to celebrate the seniors, and hopefully come out with a win."

For most of her career, Shepherd's role has been mostly invisible to the casual observer. She doesn't lead the team in goals or assists, and her largest contribution in many games has been passing or getting stuck-in on a crucial tackle.

But you don't get to the cusp of 100 starts without leaving an impact, on any program. Shepherd saw that first-hand with her older sister Jenna, the Utah Valley midfielder who celebrated her own senior night Thursday with the Wolverines' 7-0 win over Utah Tech. Younger sister was on hand that night after BYU flew home from a 2-0 win over Oklahoma, when the now-Jenna Gremillion reached the century mark herself as UVU's all-time leader in appearances (tied with Heather Stainbrook) for the defending WAC champions.

Jamie Shepherd's contributions have been no less valuable for the No. 7 Cougars (13-1-3, 6-0-3 Big 12) that rank sixth in the NCAA's top 16 with the nation's second-best goals (55) and goals per game (3.24).

"I just think that is something that is drilled into our heads at BYU: We are told that we're this attacking team, and I think we're super dynamic," Shepherd said. "Goals can come from everywhere. I think it's a mindset on this team, even me being back at the six, we score goals. When we're in those opportunities and have a chance up top, go score goals."

Shepherd will be honored before Monday's match with her 10 senior peers, including Bella Folino, who is just behind her in appearances at 98. The list also includes senior midfielder Brecken Mozingo, who leads the team with 48 shots and is tied for the team lead with senior Kendell Petersen with nine assists; dynamic two-way midfielder Olivia Wade-Katoa; and strong center back Laveni Vaka, to name a few.

"We've talked a lot about doing something that BYU has never done before," Shepherd said. "That was huge for us back in 2021, and it flipped our mindset into something that is possible. I think that's what this group has carried on from them. We know that winning a national championship and doing great things is something that BYU can do. Hopefully that's what we've carried on and brought to this team."

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