JESSICA ASHLEY SHEPLEY
 My name is Jessica Ashley Shepley and I was born in Owen Sound, ON Canada. I was raised by two exceptionally supportive and energetic parents who put my dreams first as they assumed the role of parents, coaches, advisors, accountants, moti-vators, cab drivers, chefs, cheerleaders and, of course, friends for the past twenty-six years. My mother and father have taught me to appreciate the value of hard work, honesty, and integrity and have enabled me to purse my dreams wherever they may take me.
I grew up in the Toronto area and spent much of my life in Oakville. At the age of nine I began to play golf. Over the years, my two brothers helped foster my competitive nature and winning spirit. I also had the pleasure of receiving guidance, counsel, and knowledge about the game of golf from Canadian LPGA legend Sandra Post and internationally celebrated amateur golfer Marlene Stewart Streit. As I learned the game, my love for it grew and by sixteen I knew I wanted to pursue golf at the professional level after college.
In my four years at Iroquois Ridge High School I played golf, basketball and volleyball while making some incredible, lifelong friends. I owe a great deal of thanks to my high school basketball coaches Mr. Kleberg and Mrs. Guest who instilled in me the importance of diligence when pushing myself to physical and mental limits in order to grow as an athlete.
After graduating high school I traveled south to the University of Tennessee where I earned my degree in Journalism and Public Relations. Knoxville proved to offer a terrific support system and once again I had the privilege of meeting many people who helped to develop the tools to prepare me for golf after college.
Upon completing my NCAA eligibility in 2005, I decided to pursue my dream to become a professional athlete and qualified for the Duramed Futures Tour. After three and a half years on the tour, I took the next step in my professional career, qualifying for the LPGA tour for the 2009 season. Although I only competed a few times in my rookie season I enjoyed every minute out there. I met some wonderful players and caddies and was able to measure myself and my game against the best in the world.
As the 2010 season progresses I plan on taking more advantage of my conditional status this year and attempting the Monday qualifying route. I will also compete on the Duramed Futures Tour and the CN Women’s Tour to ensure a full schedule.
With that, I want to thank everyone who has left their mark on my pages thus far. There are so many people to thank and I hope if I haven't yet I will make time to tell each and everyone of you how you have added something to my life. Thank you to my parents, my brothers, my family and my friends. Thank you to the women who have cleared a path within profession golf and thank you to those who continue to pour your heart into this crazy sport. Lastly, I want to thank my coach and mentor Sean Foley for his friendship and inspiration over the last few years. In time I hope to properly thank him and to give his work in every aspect of my life the recognition it deserves.
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