University at Buffalo Coaching Search: Shawn Burke Named Women's Soccer Head Coach

Shawn Burke has been hired as the new women's soccer head coach at Buffalo after serving as an assistant there for the past five seasons. The announcement came from Buffalo athletic director Danny White on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

White decided that a leadership change was needed after the season and after an extensive evaluation of the program, he decided to name Burke head coach.

Burke played a major part in the spectacular defense of the Bulls last season as the team posted an average of .88 goals against and earned five shutouts. During his tenure as an assistant, Burke's defenses ranked among the best in the MAC, averaging seven shutouts a season over the last three years.

He also had a hand in the upbringing of senior goalkeeper Ainsley Wheldon, who finished her career as one of the greatest goalkeepers in UB history.

Wheldon, who was part of Burke's first recruiting class, closed out her career as a Bull ranked in the top-5 in all goalkeeping categories in Buffalo history. These records include ranking second in shutouts (20), third in wins (22), third in saves (385) and fourth in goals-against average (1.20).

He also served as the team's liaison to academic services and has helped the Bulls achieve great academic success in the classroom. Over his five seasons, the team has been one of the top teams on the UB campus in terms of academics, amassing an average of a 3.20 grade point average in each season.

Burke also served as the Bulls' recruiting coordinator and in his time there Buffalo has produced five All-MAC players along with three All-MAC freshman team members.

Prior to joining the Bulls in 2009, Burke served as an assistant coach for the Canisius College men's soccer team over two seasons.

He was also a standout player at Mercyhurst College from 1998-2002, winning five straight GLIAC Championships. He was also a three-time first-team All-Conference and two-time All-Region player selection.

All statistics and background information on Shawn Burke are per ubbulls.com unless otherwise stated.