January 12, 2022 | by Taylor Pill

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- Micah Shepard ('18) is poised to lead his first season at the helm of Maranatha Men's Volleyball, as he has prepared the team for the opening match of the season Friday. 

Shepard, known at Maranatha for his basketball prowess as a North Region MVP and NCCAA All-American, steps into the head coaching role of the program that played its first varsity season during Shepard's final semester at MBU as an undergraduate student. Shepard graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and a Coaching minor, and steps into his first-ever head coach role at the college level.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Maranatha Men's Volleyball Team," Shepard said. "[I'm] thankful for Maranatha and Rob Thompson, seems fitting that my first coaching job would be where I played ball as a college student."

Regina DeLozier comes alongside Shepard as an assistant coach. DeLozier has been with the program since its inception and has taken the reins the last two seasons as interim head coach. Shepard is viewing the coaching partnership as a chance to learn. 

"[She] has been an amazing asset to the team and the school," Shepard said. She brings so much experience, and I can't say enough about what she means to this program and to Maranatha."

"No matter if we are coaching, teaching, or working, we should always be learning. I hope to have that mindset and to multiply the talents God has given me. I'm excited about the challenge, and pray for the humility needed to lead my team in a way that honors Christ."

Shepard and the Sabercats take on the Mount Mercy University Mustangs on Friday at 2:00 p.m. Find details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.