Chico State Athletics

After an impressive 2019 freshman season, Chico State volleyball outside hitter Grace Shepherd was poised to be a major player in the Wildcats’ future plans. Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic, coupled with an injury-riddled 2021 season, derailed Shepherd’s momentum and minimized her on-court contributions. Based on her outstanding performance at the season-opening William Jessup Invitational, 2022 could very well be Shepherd’s biggest year yet—and makes her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
 
The Lockwood native racked up a team-high 33 kills, while also posting seven digs, two blocks, and a service ace during the two-day tournament in Rocklin. A simple stat comparison is proof that Shepherd is back on her game—after just three matches to begin the 2022 season, she already has delivered three more kills than she did in the entire 2021 campaign.
 
Shepherd floored 12 kills in the Wildcats’ season opener Thursday against Southern Oregon, then later in the day contributed 10 kills and a block against tournament host William Jessup. Friday, Shepherd led all players with 11 kills while adding an ace and a block as Chico State scored its first victory of the year with a sweep of Simpson University. 
 
After the first week of play, Shepherd ranks ninth among California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) hitters in kills, and third in kills per set (3.30).
 
Shepherd and the Wildcats are in San Rafael this weekend to compete in the two-day NorCal Kickoff. The ’Cats take on Dominican and Holy Names on Friday, then face off against Academy of Art and Fresno Pacific on Saturday.