Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 14 No. 3 | December 2021

14 Inside Hokie Sports “Our relationship translates to what I do on the court, I play freely because I know he has my back and I have his,” Sheppard said. Brooks shared those same sentiments and described the trust they have in each other to why they’re so close. “The trust factor lets me know and lets her know that we love each other,” he said. Aisha faced a complicated situation earlier in her career when she was splitting playing time with Brooks’ daughter, Kendyl, during the 2018-19 season. They alternated starts and opportunities for the majority of the season. However, Sheppard used her limited starts as motivation and had conversations with her head coach, asking what it would take to become a starter. Sheppard knew she needed to improve as a player, and the moments to shine would come later. Through difficult situations one thing remained constant and that was the trust Sheppard and Brooks had in each other and the process. “She’s learned how to deal with adversity, learn from it and become better because of it,” Brooks said. Despite all her year-by-year improvements, Sheppard still wants to focus on a few key areas to develop for the upcoming season. Defense hasn’t been Sheppard’s strongest skill through her first four seasons in Blacksburg, but she says that’s where she wants to make the biggest stride. “Defensively, I can be stronger in that area, understanding schemes and things like that,” Sheppard said. If Sheppard improves on the defensive end, then her draft stock will continue to climb before the 2022 WNBA Draft next April. She said wants to turn pro at the end of the season and continue to play the game she loves. “Well she’s the best shooter in the country and she’s a shot maker but more importantly her team first mindset will make her a valuable part of any team at the next level,” Brooks said. Even with her clear dreams of making it to the pros, Sheppard still wants to cement her legacy as a Hokie. She was the recipient of the 2021 Skelton Award for her academic excellence in athletics, and she’s given back to the community around her by doing training sessions with young girls to help develop their skills in the sport of basketball. “When people think of me, they automatically think of a Hokie and Ut Prosim ,” Sheppard said. Sheppard is on track to become the program’s all-time leading scorer—needing just 345 points in the 2021-22 season to break the record. However, she doesn’t want her legacy solely to be in the record books. “Records hold weight to a certain extent but your character holds even more weight,” said Sheppard. While her game can’t be doubted by anyone, neither can her character. Sheppard took the tougher road and came out a better player and person because of it. Now with one more opportunity, Sheppard is ready to lead Virginia Tech on one more ride at a chance for championship glory. Unfinished business Continued from page 12