Five Questions: Kira Shepard

LITTLE ROCK – Kira Shepard earned lots of playing time as a freshman last season, seeing action in 30 games and making eight starts. In her 14.9 minutes per game, Shepard averaged 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds. She had a 14-point game at Oral Roberts in November.

What was the biggest lesson you took from last season?
The biggest thing would be Coach Foley getting onto us and just learning new things. It's way different from high school basketball, so we came in and he taught us a faster pace and a new way to play basketball.
 
How do you expect your role to change this season with transitioning from a freshman to a sophomore?
I think Coach Foley is putting me as more of a leader now since I got a lot of playing time last year. I think he is training me to be a better leader, and someone who can always help get the girls ready in the locker room.
 
Outside of sports what do you do to unwind or clear your head?
I listen to music and workout. I really listen to any kind of music, it doesn't matter. My favorite artist right now is probably August Alsina.
 
What is it like playing in front of large home crowds?
It's exciting because everyone is up cheering, so it just makes you want to go harder. The Arkansas State game was great because everyone was up yelling for us. It's so fun when the crowd gets involved and they get the refs going.
 
You've been dealing with an injury this offseason injury, what has been the hardest part of this process?
The hardest part is when I have to just sit there at practice and I can't do what the rest of the team is doing. Once I get back out there I know I can't get hurt again because it'll be terrible. I just know how hard is it to sit out and watch everyone do everything that you want to be able to do.