TIFTON — After 17 years of coaching basketball including five as head coach at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Todd Sheppard is leaving the coaching profession to pursue a new direction for his life.

The 38-year-old Sheppard announced on Monday that he is joining Synthes as a surgical consultant on May 15.  Based in Columbus, the company’s primary purpose is medical device sales.

“I’ll always have coaching in my blood,” Sheppard, who rolled up 93 victories against 64 defeats as coach of the Stallions, said. “I’ll miss the college atmosphere, and the interaction with the students on campus. Most of all, I’ll miss the relationships with the players and their parents.”

He continued, “It’s a bittersweet thing for me. It was a difficult decision, but I had to do what was best for me and my family.”

A native of Conyers, Sheppard came to ABAC after three years as the top assistant at Valdosta State University. His 2006-2007 team compiled a 27-5 overall record, the most wins in a single season in the 100-year history of ABAC. Three of the ABAC losses that season were to Georgia Perimeter, a team that defeated the Stallions for the state championship. Sheppard was selected as Coach of the Year in the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association.

“We are very sad to see Todd leave,” ABAC Athletic Director Alan Kramer said. “He has done a great job of building the basketball program up, but we understand he has to do what is best for him and his family.”

In 2007, Sheppard was named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 Under 40, “which recognizes Georgia’s Best and Brightest – rising stars in business, politics, the arts, nonprofits and education.”  

Against archrival Middle Georgia, the Stallions were particularly successful under Sheppard’s leadership, racking up eight wins against only two defeats.

“Beating Middle Georgia was always gratifying,” Sheppard said. “Seeing the fans’ interest in that game increase over the years makes for some great memories. There’s nothing I can do that will replace that game night excitement.”

Sheppard’s successor will inherit four starters from this year’s 17-14 team including Sam Goodman, who was named first team All-Conference and was the Defensive Player of the Year in the league.

“I feel really good about where the program is right now,” Sheppard said. “I wish this team nothing but the best. It will be exciting to watch their progress. It’s just time for me and my family to start a new chapter in my life.”