University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Community Mourns the Loss of Basketball Alum Randy Shepherd
09.20.2024 | General, Men's Basketball, Athletics News
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Former UNC Asheville men's basketball player and Crossfire Ministries co-founder Randy Shepherd passed away on Thursday, Sept. 19.
Shepherd attended UNC Asheville and was a part of the men's basketball team from 1982-87 and was a part of the program as they transitioned to Division I. Shepherd started as point guard during his time with the Bulldogs, and in his five years at Asheville, one year of redshirting, Shepherd helped the team go 93-52.
Shepherd was part of a winning tradition at Asheville but was most known for his work off the court. Shepherd, alongside his long-time friend Jamie Johnson, founded the Crossfire Ministries organization in 1993. Crossfire is a sports evangelistic ministry that shares the Word of God and the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ through areas of ministry. The ministry has gone to 68 countries and 47 states to share the word of God through basketball.
UNC Asheville Athletics statement:
"The Athletic Department and men's basketball program extends its deepest sympathies to Randy Shepherd's family and the individuals he impacted through his ministry. Randy was a part of the men's basketball program at a pivotal point in the program's history, and we are forever grateful for his commitment to being a Bulldog.
We are so proud of all of our student-athletes who graduate and go on to make a difference in the world. Randy is a prime example of an alum who took his talents and passion and made the world better. His love for basketball and his faith impacted individuals worldwide and from many different walks of life.
The number of people Randy impacted is immeasurable, and we are fortunate to have had the opportunity to have him a part of our community."
Former Sports Information Director Mike Gore's statement:
"Randy Shepherd was UNC Asheville's starting point guard through a glorious period of success in the 1980's. The Bulldogs won a lot of games, with Randy running the show. He helped lead us from a struggling NAIA program to a Division I winner. His senior year was Asheville's first season as a Division I program, and he was a key part of a team that finished 15-11 and went 6-3 against teams from the Southern Conference."
Former Men's Basketball Coach Jerry Green's statement:
"We were fortunate to get Randy to come to UNC Asheville. He was one of the most intelligent players and a big-time competitor you wanted on your team. He was one of the nicest individuals I got the privilege to be around, and I will always remember him for what he has done for me and what he did for UNC Asheville."