APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University women's soccer assistant coach Shayni Paul has been promoted to Associate Head Coach, head coach Joe Sagar announced.
Paul, who joined the Vikings' coaching staff in 2022, has played an integral role in the continued growth of the Lawrence women's soccer program. Working closely with Sagar, Paul has made a significant impact on player development, tactical preparation and the organization of the Vikings' defense.
"It is with great pride that I get to share the pitch with Shayni every fall," Sagar said. "She is a coach who is so detail-oriented, passionate and, most importantly, remembers the human element of being a leader. Lawrence soccer is blessed to have her on staff, and I am so thankful for Vice President Chris Clarke and Athletic Director James Downer for recognizing the immense impact Shayni has had on this program. It is always a great day to be a Viking, but celebrating Shayni makes it even better than average!"
Paul's impact was on full display during Lawrence's historic 2024 season. The Vikings' defensive unit helped propel Lawrence to the NCAA Division III Tournament, with Paul's work developing and organizing the back line playing a key role in the team's success.
For the players Paul has coached, however, her impact has extended well beyond tactics and results.
"It is so incredibly exciting to hear about Coach Shayni's promotion to Associate Head Coach," former Viking Maya Alberts said. "It is so well-deserved, and her personality and knowledge of the game have made such a huge impact on my experience at Lawrence and on the team as a whole. She brings so much energy, care and passion to the program, and I'm so excited to see her continue to grow in this role and for all of the great things ahead for the LU Women's Soccer Program!"
Former Lawrence defender Jess Smith credited Paul with helping transform her understanding of the game during her time with the Vikings.
"Who runs the world? Defenders!" Smith said.
"I feel incredibly fortunate to have been coached by Shayni during my four years as a member of the Lawrence women's soccer team. She is, by far, the best tactical coach I have ever worked with. The time I spent working with her at practice elevated my defensive IQ significantly and helped me build real confidence on the backline.
"Shayni also brings tremendous energy to practice every day. She consistently shows up with a positive attitude and is always willing to pull out the whiteboard to work through any soccer question a player might have. Her promotion to Associate Head Coach is more than well deserved, and I can't wait to see how she continues to elevate this program over the seasons."
Paul's ability to connect with student-athletes has been a consistent theme throughout her time at Lawrence.
"Shayni was an amazing addition to our coaching staff," former Viking Cambrie Rickard said. "She elevated our program in so many ways, from introducing fun and challenging new drills to teaching us everything there is to know about defending. Shayni is a constant source of positivity, both on and off the field, and she has a way of making everyone around her feel seen, heard and valued. She has made such a meaningful impact on me and our program, and I'm so excited to see her continue to grow in this role."
Paul brought extensive collegiate coaching experience to Lawrence, highlighted by four seasons as the head women's soccer coach at Concordia University Chicago from 2018-21.
During her tenure leading the Cougars, Paul helped elevate the program while overseeing all aspects of the team. Concordia Chicago established multiple program records under Paul and made a pair of Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament appearances. Her tenure also included a breakthrough victory over Aurora University, the first in program history, and 12 Cougars earned All-NACC honors under her leadership, including a NACC Freshman of the Year.
In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, Paul has worked extensively at the youth level. She currently coaches with Wisconsin United FC and the Wisconsin Olympic Development Program and previously worked with the Columbus Crew Juniors, Lobos Rush and Chicago Fire Youth SC.
A Marian University graduate, Paul earned a bachelor's degree in sports and recreation management with a minor in coaching in 2014. She played soccer for the Sabres and served as team captain in 2012. Paul earned her master's degree in business administration from Capital University in 2016.
