Photo by: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
MSOC | Nicklaw Promoted to Associate Head Coach
2/22/2024 1:28:00 PM | Men's Soccer
MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's Men's Soccer announces the promotion of Shawn Nicklaw to Associate Head Coach for the 2024 season, after serving as an Assistant Coach since the 2021 fall season.
"I am deeply honored to be given this opportunity to contribute even more significantly to the team's success and to work alongside a talented and dedicated group of players and coaching staff," Nicklaw said after receiving the promotion. "I am excited to continue learning, growing, and striving for excellence in this new role, and I look forward to the challenges and accomplishments that lie ahead."
Nicklaw came to Moraga with an impressive professional and college career on his resume. The San Diego native played collegiately at UConn where he appeared in 80 games across his four seasons on the team's back line.
After graduating, Nicklaw went on to play professionally both abroad and in the US for eight years. He signed with HB Køge in Denmark out of college and later appeared for Thór in the Icelandic Premier League, the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL PRO, and two NASL clubs, Jacksonville Armada FC and FC Edmonton.
"Shawn has proven to be an invaluable asset to our program," Said Head Coach Adam Cooper. "He is an excellent young coach with a bright future. Shawn has been great at helping us develop all conference players, and getting players drafted and up to the next to level, like Riley Lynch."
Nicklaw has also had the honor of playing for the Guamanian men's national team since 2012 and has served as captain for the club. In 2015, Nicklaw helped Guam win their first two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches ever by taking down Turkmenistan and India in the Group D qualifying round. In total, Nicklaw has captained 35 matches for Guam in the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) and scored twice while donning his country's colors.
"This team embodies dedication, talent, and resilience" Nicklaw said regarding what he loves about being at SMC. "The opportunity to work closely with the Coop and Remi (Prieur) and the players is a privilege, and I am eager to support our student athletes' development, and pursue excellence both on and off the field. I am confident that, together, we will achieve great things and make our university and community proud."
Thirteen Gaels have made the All-WCC team in Nicklaw's time as an assistant at Saint Mary's. The program has amassed 26 wins in that time and has never finished below .500 overall. The Gaels are slated to kick of their 2024 season on August 22 at home against UMKC.
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