Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Burnaby, BC - After 26 years of building the Simon Fraser University women's soccer program into one of the top collegiate soccer programs in North America, SFU head coach Shelley Howieson has accepted a new position as the Facilities Manager for the SFU Athletics and Recreation Department. 

"Over the years I had the good fortune to work with some of Canada's finest collegiate athletes. More importantly, I've had the opportunity to watch so many aspiring young female athletes blossom into engaged young women ready to take on the world after their four years in our program," said Howieson. "I have had many fond memories of some very significant milestones in our program, but what I'll remember most are the wonderful people that have touched my life so profoundly over my years of coaching." 

Howieson built the program from the ground up, leading the Clan women's soccer team since the program's inception in 1988. 

During her tenure, Howieson has guided the Clan to 22 winning seasons and led the Clan women's soccer program in their transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to the NCAA, a transition that started with a second place finish in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in the program's first NCAA season in 2010. 

Those seasons in the NAIA included two National Championships in 1996 and 2000 and Howieson boasts an impressive 274-162-47 overall record. 

"I am pleased that after an illustrious career as our head women's soccer coach that Shelley will be joining my staff as our Facilities Manager," said Senior Director of Athletics and Recreation Milton Richards. "Not many coaches can boast multiple National Championships and an impressive track record of developing extraordinary student-athletes. I'm thrilled that Shelley has chosen to continue her career on the administrative side of the department." 

She has coached for over 30 years and in addition to leading the Clan, her coaching positions include numerous coaching appointments to senior provincial teams. 

The Canadian Soccer Association has honoured Howieson as the 3M Coach of the Year and in 1995 Howieson was nominated for the YWCA Women of Distinction Award. 

Over the past 25 years, she has branded the SFU women’s soccer program with her own personal style, a highly competitive, well-rounded program that is recognized across North America as a collegiate powerhouse.  

In addition to National Championships in 1996 and 2000 she led the Clan to a pair of runner-up finishes at the NAIA National Championship in 1997 and 1998. 

Since starting a long and impressive run as head coach of the Clan, Howieson has been named NAIA Coach of the Year twice, as well as Coach of the Year by Sport BC and BC Soccer. 

Howieson’s teams also excel in the classroom, demonstrated by the numerous athletes who have been recognized as Academic All-Americans. 

The NAIA Hall of Fame has recognized coach Howieson's accomplishments, inducting her into their Hall of Fame as part of their 2010-11 class along with National Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and legendary baseball manager Bobby Cox, among others. 

In her new role, Howieson will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of facility operations for SFU Athletics and Recreation. 

"This was the most difficult decision I've had to make in my life, however, when presented with this opportunity at this juncture of my career I felt I couldn't turn it down. There has always been an administrative thread throughout my career so I see this is a natural transition. It is now time for new challenges, I'm thrilled that I've been able to remain at this outstanding institution and still work with such great people," finished Howieson. 

This will not be Coach Howieson's first experience on the administrative side of the department as she began her tenure at SFU managing the SFU camps program. 

"Her understanding of SFU, experience and strong work ethic will serve us well as we develop a master facility plan for our athletics and recreation program," finished Richards. 

Her new role will begin immediately and an international search for her successor will also get underway immediately.