Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Prepared For The Moment
November 14, 2023 | Women's Basketball
Freshman Mjracle Sheppard making an early impact for State.
STARKVILLE – Moments before she stepped on the court on Sunday afternoon, freshman Mjracle Sheppard found out that she was making her first career start for Mississippi State.
The Kent, Washington, native made the most of the opportunity. Sheppard shot 4-of-5 from the field for 14 points and went 6-of-6 from the charity stripe in State's 84-45 victory over Jacksonville State.
When her name was called, Sheppard was ready to provide a spark and help the Bulldogs succeed.
"I feel like I was ready from the beginning," Sheppard said. "I was prepared because of the practice and the work we've been putting in, [and] credit to my team for helping me get ready and being there for me."
Sheppard was a highly-touted recruit out of Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. The four-star point guard was ranked as the No. 86 overall prospect in the country and was charted as the No. 2 recruit from the state of Washington.
With many Division I programs from all over the country pursuing Sheppard, she chose to come play in the Maroon and White for head coach Sam Purcell.
"For me, [I loved] everything," Sheppard said regarding her decision to come to MSU. "It felt good bringing it full circle just knowing that I can be here, and it just felt like home."
Make no mistake about it, Sheppard has experience on the big stages. She played at one of the most renowned high schools in the country. Sheppard played a tremendous role in leading Montverde Academy to a national championship in 2022.
The level of competition that Sheppard played against in high school has also helped her gear up for the challenges that she will face playing in the SEC.
"It definitely prepared me for college," Sheppard said. "The environment was around a whole bunch of different people. My team was international, so it was good to have those type of connections together and learn how to apply it here."
After an impressive first start for the Bulldogs, Sheppard has proven that she is more than ready to contribute when her name is called upon. Her talent at the guard position provides depth for State, which is something that Purcell is gracious to have.
"I'm blessed [because] most coaching staffs and programs only have one guard [and] I have two," Purcell said. "[Assistant coach Corry Irvin] is actually in charge of our point guards and she's done a heck of a job so far preparing both of them to be ready for whoever's name and number is called. We are very fortunate."
Sheppard's work on and off the court has propelled her into the spotlight, and it's something that State's coaching staff notices every day.
"Mjracle is an extremely hard worker and she's a very committed student-athlete," assistant coach Corry Irvin said. "The time that she puts in extra shows. I think where she'll continue to grow is leading. She does so many things well right now and I just think it's from her own experience."
The Kent, Washington, native made the most of the opportunity. Sheppard shot 4-of-5 from the field for 14 points and went 6-of-6 from the charity stripe in State's 84-45 victory over Jacksonville State.
When her name was called, Sheppard was ready to provide a spark and help the Bulldogs succeed.
"I feel like I was ready from the beginning," Sheppard said. "I was prepared because of the practice and the work we've been putting in, [and] credit to my team for helping me get ready and being there for me."
Sheppard was a highly-touted recruit out of Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. The four-star point guard was ranked as the No. 86 overall prospect in the country and was charted as the No. 2 recruit from the state of Washington.
With many Division I programs from all over the country pursuing Sheppard, she chose to come play in the Maroon and White for head coach Sam Purcell.
"For me, [I loved] everything," Sheppard said regarding her decision to come to MSU. "It felt good bringing it full circle just knowing that I can be here, and it just felt like home."
Make no mistake about it, Sheppard has experience on the big stages. She played at one of the most renowned high schools in the country. Sheppard played a tremendous role in leading Montverde Academy to a national championship in 2022.
The level of competition that Sheppard played against in high school has also helped her gear up for the challenges that she will face playing in the SEC.
"It definitely prepared me for college," Sheppard said. "The environment was around a whole bunch of different people. My team was international, so it was good to have those type of connections together and learn how to apply it here."
After an impressive first start for the Bulldogs, Sheppard has proven that she is more than ready to contribute when her name is called upon. Her talent at the guard position provides depth for State, which is something that Purcell is gracious to have.
"I'm blessed [because] most coaching staffs and programs only have one guard [and] I have two," Purcell said. "[Assistant coach Corry Irvin] is actually in charge of our point guards and she's done a heck of a job so far preparing both of them to be ready for whoever's name and number is called. We are very fortunate."
Sheppard's work on and off the court has propelled her into the spotlight, and it's something that State's coaching staff notices every day.
"Mjracle is an extremely hard worker and she's a very committed student-athlete," assistant coach Corry Irvin said. "The time that she puts in extra shows. I think where she'll continue to grow is leading. She does so many things well right now and I just think it's from her own experience."
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's BasketballWOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Sam Purcell, Favour Nwaedozi vs Florida - 3/4/26
Wednesday, March 04
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Sam Purcell Media Session - 2/24/26
Tuesday, February 24
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Sam Purcell Media Session - 2/18/26
Wednesday, February 18
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Highlights at Arkansas - 2/16/26
Tuesday, February 17