Coaches
Head Coach
Shaun Sheppard
Shaun graduated ERAU in 2003 with a degree in Aeronautical Science and a minor in Meteorology. He became a flight instructor in 2008 and continues to enjoy spreading his passion for flight with students today and as team 4 manager. He loves spending the rest of his time with his wife Lauren and his children, Zion, Angelina, Zane, and Gabriella. He also enjoys running, the outdoors, and barbecuing.
Assistant Coach
Koby Yoshimi
Koby is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Prescott Campus with a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Science. He started working as a Ground School Instructor and Flight Supervisor in 2021 and has served as the Lead Flight Supervisor overseeing Flight Dispatch staffing and operations since 2022. He is also an active Instructor Pilot teaching primarily within the CFI courses.
Academic Advisor
Dwayne Fernandes
Dwayne joined ERAU in 2011 and pursued all of his training at the Daytona Beach campus. He joined the Prescott campus as a Flight Instructor in 2017 and has facilitated his commitment for student support at ERAU through various roles in the College of Aviation since then. Outside of work, he's usually playing in the PNF with Quillyn & Ezyon.
Technical Coach
Ben Bodine
Ben joined ERAU Prescott in 2022 as a mechanic supporting both the university and the Golden Eagles Flight Team. With a lifelong passion for aviation, Ben took the next step by attending A&P school in San Antonio, Texas, and has enjoyed building a career in aircraft maintenance ever since. Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with family and being outdoors.
Technical Coach
Samuel West
Samuel joined ERAU Prescott in 2023 as a student, mechanic, and coach for the university and the Golden Eagles Flight Team. With a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, Samuel obtained his A&P certificate from Pima Community College in 2022, and began working as a mechanic to support his flight training. Samuel is proud to support a program that once felt out of reach and is inspired daily by the team’s excellence and dedication.