Lakeland College Rustlers mens volleyball head coach, Taylor Dyer, was all smiles last week as the Rustlers signed local volleyball phenom Shepherd Gow. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
For local athlete, Shepherd Gow, earning a spot on the Lakeland College Rustlers mens volleyball team has always been somewhat of a dream, until last week when the soon-to-be Lloyd Comp graduate and volleyball phenom signed with the team.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I started playing volleyball in Grade 7,” he said.
“It’s always been a big dream and my parents have been pushing me to play college volleyball, so I made it, and it’s awesome.”
Here in the Border City, the Gow family name resonates with local sports, but that’s especially true when it comes to volleyball.
Gow’s late father, William, past away in a car accident on Oct. 21, 2017, at the age of 57.
William was a true ambassador for the local volleyball scene, and his legacy has been carried on through sport thanks to Shepherd, his mother, Diane, and his sisters, Soleil and Sonnet.
“I think he would be proud of me,” said Gow.
“He worked me hard, he was a great coach, and I’m excited to live out my dreams, and his dreams have pushed me to where I am today.
“He’s with me the whole time. He’s always here.”
Usually playing as a centre, Gow will be taking on a new role with the Rustlers as the team’s libero.
“Since I’m usually a centre, this is going to be a big position change for me.
“It’s been a long time coming and I’ve been working hard for this.”
Taylor Dyer, head coach of the mens volleyball team, couldn’t be happier to welcome Gow to the squad, and knows what he can bring to the court.
“Shep really fits the mould of the culture we’re trying to create here,” said Dyer.
“He’s a good student, he’s a good person, he gives back to the community; all the things we’re looking for in a volleyball player, he brings a lot of that to the table.
“We’re excited to sign Shep for the fall. Coming in as a first-year, he’s going to have a big learning curve, but again, he’s an athletic player who also has that determination and grit.”
Dyer also noted Gow’s position change will pose some challenges at first, but in the long run, it’s a smart move.
“Libero is a tough position to come in and be proficient right off the bat, but it’s good he’s got some good guys to work with to get better, and hopefully down the line, he’s going to be the next guy for us. I’m looking forward to watching him battle for that position, but also grow as a player.”
