Jessica Shepard Class: Sophomore Hometown: Dripping Springs, Texas High School: Dripping Springs Event: Backstroke Experience: 1L

2012-13 (FRESHMAN): Was a strong performer in the backstroke events, finishing as the second-best performer on the team in the 100 Backstroke, only behind NCAA qualifier Breann Fuller... Swam a best time of 54.78 at the Mountain West Championships, good for a 10th-place finish... Recorded a time of 2:00.74 at the Championships in the 200 Backstroke (third on the team; 15th in the conference)... Also finished second on the team in the 200 IM (2:04.41; 19th at MW Championships)... Was part of several relay teams, including the school-record-breaking 200 Medley Relay team (1:41.17).

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 2012 graduate of Dripping Springs High School... Awarded Texas State Athlete of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year in 2012... At the 2012 state championships, broke the state record in the 100 Backstroke and received All-America recognition... Lettered all four years... Was on the all-state first team for the 100 Backstroke, 200 IM and the 200 Medley Relay... Also swam with West Austin Aquatics.

PERSONAL: Born March 17, 1994... Raised in Dripping Springs, Texas... Daughter of Jim and Becky Shepard... Has one brother, Ben, and one sister, Emily... Majoring in health and exercise science.