Field Hockey | 10/12/2020 6:11:06 PM
Senior Liz Shephard returns for her fourth season with the Elmira College field hockey team in 2020-21. Shephard, a defender, started all 15 games she played in for the Soaring Eagles in 2019, helping the defensive unit allow just 1.45 goals per game. She earned 2019 All-Empire 8 Honorable Mention accolades.
Shephard, a native of Cazenovia, NY, is a standout in the classroom as well with a 3.87 grade-point average. She is a four-time Empire 8 Presidents List, while earning three consecutive Zag Field Hockey/National Field Hockey Coaches Association National Academic Squad honors in addition to Scholar of Distinction accolades in 2019. Shephard earned 2017 Empire 8 Sportswoman of the Year honors and is a two-time Empire 8 Honorable Mention selection.
Liz Shephard - Why I Play
Institution: Elmira College
Sport/Position: Field Hockey/Defensive Back
Academic Major: Biochemistry
GPA: 3.89
Class Year: Senior
Academic Honors/Clubs/Community Service Roles: Phi Beta Kappa Prize winner 2019 and 2020. Beta Beta Beta Biology Honors Society member. Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honors Society member and President. Class of 2021 Treasurer
What Have You Done During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Stay Active and What Are Some Positive Effects of the Pandemic You Have Experienced? During COVID-19 I have been running on the trail in my hometown. I’ve also been taking my dogs on long walks through different trails near me. I’ve taken a couple trips to the Adirondacks and Letchworth State Park in Rochester to get outside and stay active.
What Role has Field Hockey Played in your Personal Development? My sport has taught me how to work hard. I have gained so many rewarding experiences, but the difficult ones have definitely shaped me more. I learned how to push myself farther than I thought I could.
At what age did you start playing Field Hockey and what made you stay with it? Did you play any other sports growing up? My mom played field hockey when she was in college, so when we me and my sisters were in elementary school, we would play around with my mom in our front yard. I officially started playing field hockey in a rec league when I was in fourth grade. I had played in a local soccer league before, but as soon as I started playing with other people my age, I fell in love with the sport. I stayed with field hockey because I loved the sport.
Any Superstitions When It Comes to Pregame Rituals/Training? I always listen to the same playlist before every game.
Why Did You Decide to Attend Elmira? I wanted to attend a smaller school where I could also play field hockey. Elmira was perfect for me because I could still be involved with sports and all of my other academic and extracurricular interests.
How has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College?
I have been able to develop skills that I use in my everyday life. After playing collegiately, I have been able to work on my time management and interpersonal skills.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College: It’s hard to pinpoint just one memory. Some of my favorite memories involve me and my teammates getting pumped up in the locker room before a game.
Favorite Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite Movie: Spider-Man: Good Will Hunting
Favorite TV Show: Community
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Community
Favorite Food: Pad Thai
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Anything with peanut butter
One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You: I took dance classes for 13 years
Advice to Younger Student-Athletes on Why You Chose to Play a Collegiate Sport and Why Playing A Sport is So Important/Beneficial?
Playing a sport in college is one of the most rewarding experiences. You get to develop skills that are useful for years to come. You also make bonds that can last a lifetime. My team is my family and I could not ask for a better group to share my college experience with.
The Empire 8 Conference's “Why I Play” Series features a student-athlete from one of its member institutions who discusses devotion to its respective sport.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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