A trip to the Kohl Center to wrestle at individual state is not something many people achieve as freshmen. Jayden Sheppard has done that. Qualifying for state is a monumental accomplishment, but also the source of high expectations.

Along with expectations comes the recruiting process: “A very overwhelming process, but it’s an honor.”

Collegiate wrestling is a goal for Jayden. Unfortunately, since his freshman year, the journey has been anything but smooth. 

COVID slaps Jayden in the face.  A highly anticipated sophomore season serves solely as missed opportunities to compete. Although sophomore year leaves Jayden disappointed, he has motivation ahead of a critical junior season.

Jayden’s labrum has other plans. The summer preceding his junior year, a full tear in his labrum ends his season before it  begins. A disastrous bump in the road, but Jayden makes light out of a dark situation.

“Being injured for an important recruiting year made it challenging but building a strong reputation in my younger high school years helped. My recovery process showed coaches my core values and how I handle adversity, giving them a better look at me as a person.”

The six month recovery period makes Jayden stronger mentally: “I worked with a mindset coach that  helped me overcome the injury mental block. This allowed me to focus on performance not result, which led to better wrestling.”

Jayden stays diligent and with the doctor’s okay, begins working out again. Working out is like clockwork; this past summer, he visits and works out for various college coaches. These visits have him prepared to make his commitment in the coming months.

College wrestling will be the reward at the end of a bumpy road for Jayden, but for now, he’s ready for one last year as a Rocket.