FC Wisconsin would like to announce that Coach Graham Shaw has accepted a new coaching position as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at the University of Illinois - Springfield, an NCAA Division II program.

Shaw joined FC Wisconsin in June of 2021, while he was the Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Marquette University. Shaw became the Director of Goalkeeping heading into the 2021-2022 season, while also working with all teams within the ECNL and the ECNL Regional League. His positivity and coaching demeanor have helped to create a hugely positive development-driven culture within our goalkeepers and all the players that have been fortunate enough to work with him.

Shaw now becomes the fifth coach in the last seven years that has gone on from FC Wisconsin to become a head coach at the collegiate level. Most recently, Teren Schuster became the Head Coach at Briar Cliff University, Kevin Brennan is the Women’s Associate Head Coach at Drake University, Josh Rohde is the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Rockford, and Coach Jamie Bladen was the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Cardinal Stritch University and is now the Head Coach at Oakland City University. Shaw now becomes part of the conveyor belt of up-and-coming young coaches within the college game that FC Wisconsin has helped to play a part in developing.

Co-Director of Coaching Billy Solberg shares: “Graham has been an absolute pleasure to work with and we were thrilled to have had him as part of our staff. Not only was he a great goalkeeper coach, he was an exceptional coach full stop that we are sad to see move on. All of our players loved working with him; they enjoyed his demeanor, his positivity, and his encouragement to do their best. We will forever be grateful for his time at FC Wisconsin, but we are also proud to help him reach his dream of becoming a head college coach. We wish him all the best!”

Shaw adds: “I would like to thank Ben, Billy, and Neil for giving me the opportunity to work for one of the top clubs, not only in Wisconsin, but also in the Midwest. The past three years have helped me grow not only as a coach, but also as a person. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of a club that has the same core principles and values that I have. FC Wisconsin continuously develops players that go on to play at the next level. I will always have a strong connection to the club, and I can’t wait to see the great things that happen in the future. I will certainly miss being a part of the club on a day-to-day basis, but I know I will always be a part of the FC Family. I look forward to now recruiting some of the FC Family to University of Illinois - Springfield!”

“Graham has played an important role in the success of FC Wisconsin especially with the goalkeepers across all age groups. Graham is an excellent coach, a great teacher of the game, and an exceptional role model for players and coaches alike. As a development-driven club, our aim is to help develop not only players, but aspiring young coaches. Graham is testament to this philosophy and we are extremely proud of what he has achieved. This is an excellent opportunity for Graham to take the next step in his career. Everyone associated with FC Wisconsin wishes him the best of luck,” said Co-Director of Coaching, Ben Shepherd.

Part of running a collaborative coaching philosophy in the club is for coaches to help each other improve as coaches. When one of our own is able to reach one of their goals and be recognized for their work as a coach, it’s a tribute to our whole staff. This is also a tribute to the professionalism, education, and supportive staff working together.

We wish Graham the best of luck. He will always be FC Family!

FC Wisconsin Co-Directors of Coaching will look to hire an immediate replacement in the interim to help continue the great work that Graham oversaw with our goalkeepers.