In the history of Shepard athletics, it seems impossible that anyone coached more games than Carol Jankowski. With-out question, no one won more. Carol, who primarily coached volleyball, won 629 games during her coaching career (she also coached at Richards before Shepard opened.) In girls volleyball alone, she posted a record of 451-268-11, won six conference titles, six regional championships, and a sectional crown.

Carol won the Southtown Coach of the Year award in 1998 and led the Tachikara club to 400 wins. She also coached basketball, softball, and boys volleyball. With such a long and distinguished resume, choosing a best memory challenges her. “Too many (to pick just one),” Carol said. “The privilege of watching players develop and work as one. The privilege of watching and working with former players as they coach and develop as responsible and caring people.”

And if you'd care to ask, Carol, who earned a bachelor's degree from DePaul University and a master's degree from Illinois State University, can tell you how athletics has changed for girls: From "sports days? — where girls could participate just like boys — at one time to the full slate of interscholastic opportunities we know today.