University of Delaware Athletics
Staff Directory
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"Programs move forward because of people. Not just talent on the field, but people who invest in the culture, the standards, and the daily work that most people never see, Lawrence said. "Shannon has had a tremendous impact on our goalkeeping department. We had the number one save percentage in the country in 2023, the CAA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 and the best rookie goalkeeper in Conference USA in 2025. We're immensely proud of those accomplishments, but her impact goes far beyond statistics. She has influenced every responsibility under her with incredible care, and the way she supports and challenges our student-athletes and our staff has been just as meaningful."
"Since the day Shannon arrived here, she has poured herself into this program and into the vision for what we are building together. And the truth is, the best leaders in programs often don't do the work for recognition. They do it because they believe in the people around them and in what the program can become. But when someone consistently shows that level of commitment, impact, and leadership, it deserves to be recognized. Our program is stronger because of her work, her standards, and the way she shows up for UD Women's Soccer every single day."
Since joining Delaware, Coley has helped elevate the Blue Hens into one of the program’s most successful eras. In 2025, Delaware posted a program-best 6-0-2 start in its first season in Conference USA. The program earned consecutive conference tournament appearances for the first time since 2012–13. Goalkeeping remained a hallmark under Coley, with freshman Sophia Hall earning CUSA All-Rookie honors and national recognition as one of the country’s top freshman goalkeepers.
In 2024, Delaware secured its first CAA Tournament berth since 2019, highlighted by a 4-0 conference start, a five-game winning streak, and one of the conference’s top defenses. Under Coley’s guidance, Kyla Burns became the first Blue Hen to earn Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors, while the team recorded eight shutouts and allowed just six goals in conference play.
Coley’s impact was immediate in 2023, helping Delaware earn its first-ever win over Power Five opponent Syracuse, and post one of the strongest defensive seasons in school history. Goalkeeper Kyla Burns led the nation in save percentage, becoming the first Blue Hen to lead the NCAA in a statistical category.
Before Delaware, Coley coached at the University of Rhode Island, Western Michigan, and Lawrence Tech, helping each program achieve on-field success and individual player recognition. A former standout goalkeeper at Oakland University, she ranks among the program’s all-time leaders in wins and shutouts and helped lead the Golden Grizzlies to an NCAA Tournament victory over Ohio State in 2012.
