Cole Sheppard: Injury, Leadership, and the Road to Playoffs

Host Thomas Wakefield introduces Generals on the March, a storytelling podcast about Washington and Lee University athletics, and interviews W&L defensive lineman Cole Shepherd, a three-time scholar athlete and 2024 Academic All-ODAC selection. Shepherd explains how he discovered W&L through a high school connection and his recruiting process, then reflects on suffering a season-ending knee injury as a freshman and how it reshaped his perspective. He discusses improved team culture, energy in offseason lifting, and the transition into leadership by finding your voice and modeling consistent work ethic. Shepherd shares favorite on-field moments including a sack in the Lycoming bowl game and the overtime win at Bridgewater, describes the team’s physical identity and defensive standards, and covers his academic shift to an accounting major, involvement opportunities including Greek life, and goals centered on a playoff appearance, maintaining GPA, and expanding his network through W&L’s alumni community.

Generals on the March is a storytelling podcast exploring the athletic history of Washington and Lee University through interviews with athletes, coaches, and alumni.

📍 Recorded at the Generals Redoubt Podcasting Studio, Fancy Hill, W&L University