Aug. 8, 2001

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University Department of Athletics and Recreation announced the hiring Stephanie Shepherd as the new head coach for women's crew.

"We are really pleased to have Stephanie as our women's crew coach," said Santa Clara University Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick. "She has excellent experience and is familiar with Santa Clara University and our ambitious goals for success. I think she will make an excellent addition to our talented coaching staff."

Shepherd assumes the helm of the women's program having an intimate knowledge of the program's strengths and needs. "I am very excited to have been given this opportunity," said Shepherd. "I am looking forward to achieving and maintaining the high expectations of excellence that has become the standard here at Santa Clara."

Shepherd served SCU last year as the assistant coach for the men's novice crew, as well as serving as the men's varsity lightweight assistant in 1999. Last year Shepherd helped guide the men's novice crew to first-place finishes in five different events, including a victory in May at the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta that was held in Philadelphia, Pa. The men's crew brought home the championship in the lightweight novice eight by four seconds over Purdue University.

Prior to her capacity as an assistant in the SCU program, Shepherd was a four-year oarsmen for the Broncos from 1994-98. Shepherd competed for the Broncos in many well-known events including the California State Championships, the Pacific Coast Rowing Championships, and the San Diego Crew Classic.