Coach Kevan Sheppard Jr. has dedicated his career to shaping young people through basketball, mentorship, and leadership both on and off the court. His journey at Bishop Kearney High School has been marked by extraordinary success, but even more so by the relationships he’s built and the opportunities he has created for his players.

As head coach of the Bishop Kearney Girls’ Basketball Program, Coach Sheppard led the team to historic heights. Under his leadership, the program captured its first-ever sectional title in 2012 and went on to earn seven more sectional championships and two New York State titles. For 12 consecutive years, the Kings appeared in the Section V Championship game, a testament to the culture of excellence, discipline, and unity that Coach Sheppard fostered. His peers recognized his outstanding leadership with three Coach of the Year honors.

While championships tell part of the story, Coach Sheppard is most proud of the doors his players have opened for themselves. More than 30 of his athletes have earned full academic and athletic scholarships, and for the past ten years every Bishop Kearney Girls’ Basketball senior has gone on to college tuition-free. For him, helping students secure their futures is the greatest victory of all.

Coach Sheppard’s influence extends far beyond Bishop Kearney. He has contributed to elite programs including Team USA Basketball U17 and Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League, working alongside the City Rocks to help young athletes compete at the highest levels. His professional experience also includes roles as Basketball Coordinator for Roc Nation Sports and Basketball Brand Ambassador for Puma North America.

Driven by a passion for mentorship, he founded Coach Shep’s LLC, home to programs such as Village Builders and B.O.S.S., which encourage students to explore career pathways, develop life skills, and see themselves as leaders in their communities. Through these initiatives, he continues to invest in the growth of young people long after the final buzzer.

Coach Sheppard’s commitment to education, character development, and opportunity has made a lasting impact on hundreds of students. His work reflects the values Bishop Kearney holds dear:  lifting others up, doing all things well, and believing in the potential of every young person who walks through the door.