Craig Shepherd is the new full-time athletic trainer at Gibson Southern High School. The 25-year-old interned at the University of Florida and Mississippi State University the last couple years. Shepherd played baseball and graduated with a masters degree at the University of Evansville in 2022 after graduating from Jasper High School in 2016. 

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Southerner: What sports did you play in high school?

Shepherd: “I played basketball and baseball. Growing up, I played pretty much all the sports you can think of: wrestling, basketball, baseball. The one sport that I didn’t really play was soccer, but I still enjoy that.”

Southerner: What’s a school sport activity you enjoy watching?

Shepherd: “I’d go with football, and honestly, there isn’t one that I totally like over the other. Other than that, I do like Friday night lights. What I’ve realized is that I like to be in the mix of multiple sports.”

Southerner: How different are Jasper kids from Gibson Southern Kids?

Shepherd: “They are a lot more similar than what people think. I was accepted [by the students] right away. Almost three months with this school (Gibson Southern), and all the other people around [it], but [there’s] a lot of just genuine people. [Jasper] Still has a little bit of country in it, but still has a good mix of different people. Honestly [there’s] just some good down-to-earth people who are good to communicate with, all around good people.”

Southerner: What will the students be surprised to find out about you? 

Shepherd: “They’d be surprised that I enjoy watching and being around football more than baseball. I still enjoy baseball and grew up liking baseball the most, but I think football, even though I didn’t play it growing up, it’s kind of what I enjoy doing. Also, I like looking up new recipes and doing some cooking stuff.”

Southerner: What can you cook to perfection?

Shepherd: “I have looked up just a basic sirloin. I looked up a nice recipe on that, and it turned out really well. Other than that, it’s pretty simple. I can make a nice omelet – anything that will fill me up quickly.”

Southerner: What were some of the pets you’ve had or what pets would you like to own?

Shepherd: “I really haven’t grown up with too many pets. When I was really young, I had a couple of frogs. I was always busy, so I never really had pets. I would like to have a Golden Retriever or a Chocolate Lab. They’re just intelligent and friendly dogs.”

Southerner: What is your dream vacation?

Shepherd: “I’ve actually been to the Caribbean a couple times. I think a dream vacation would be to go to the Bahamas. Clear water, you always see it’s so beautiful there. Other than that, I think it’ll be cool to go to another continent like Australia.” 

Southerner: How do you spend your summer breaks?

Shepherd: “So, in the past I was only playing baseball. Summer breaks now, I’ll do a little bit of work, but that’s kind of my off time, so I enjoy being around family whether it’s back home or we go on a vacation. Taking it easy at home is always nice.”

Southerner: If you won the lottery and decided to give up being a trainer, what would you do instead?

Shepherd: “I know it’s kind of a cliché thing to say, but I’d volunteer my time at a food bank or something like that. That’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing. I’ve volunteered time through being a part of the baseball team at Evansville. Also, for my Church, I’d do some volunteer work, too.”

Southerner: What makes a good day at work?

Shepherd: “A good day for me is, honestly … no injuries is always nice. Honestly, if there are a couple of injuries, just having people come in and just communicate with me and let me know how they’re doing and see how everyone’s day is going.”

Southerner: What inspires you?

Shepherd: “My parents do. My dad always worked his butt off as a manager. They’ve always worked hard for the better of my brother, my sister, and me. The love they’ve shown and the hard work they’ve shown has always made me want to make them proud.”

Southerner: How do you think students will remember you?

Shepherd: “I’d like them to think of me as someone who is enjoyable to be around, fun to be around. I’m here to do my job, but a lot of times a job is more than just the job itself. It’s the people you come in contact with and the relationships you make with everybody. It’s all about the people you meet and the relationships you build.”

Southerner: What advice would you give your younger self?

Shepherd: “I think I did a pretty good job of it, but just no matter what, work hard.”