The Atlanta Silverbacks today announced the hiring of Chris Shaw as head coach for the recently added Silverbacks team which competes in the Premier Development League. Jason Smith, head coach of the Atlanta Silverbacks USL First Division team says Shaw is a match for the PDL program and the Silverbacks organization. “Coach Shaw is a highly motivated coach. I’ve worked with him in the past and I believe he’s the right candidate for the new PDL team which is designed to bridge the gap between our youth and our professional programs,” Smith commented.
Shaw joins the Silverbacks organization after a successful record as the head women’s soccer coach at Mount Olive College. Shaw began his career at Mount Olive in 2003, just one year later he was named 2004 Carolinas-Virginia Athletics Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year after guiding the Trojans to a 20-3-0 record and a CVAC championship. In 2005, Shaw led the Trojans to a 14-9-0 season record and a second consecutive appearance in the conference tournament title game, this time finishing as conference runner-up. Coach Shaw hopes to continue his success at Mount Olive when he returns next fall after the PDL summer season.
Shaw spoke about his new position with the Silverbacks, “It is an honor to be involved with an organization like the Atlanta Silverbacks. I’m very impressed with their commitment to the game of soccer at all levels, and I’m excited about the opportunity they have presented me as the head coach of the Atlanta Silverbacks PDL team.”
In addition to his duties with Mount Olive College, Shaw is also the head coach of the 1992 North Carolina Women’s Olympic Development Team. He holds a USSF “A” license and the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma
The PDL allows college-age players to compete in a professionalized setting during the summer months. The Silverbacks announced the addition of the PDL franchise in November. With this addition to club, the Atlanta Silverbacks continue to create a soccer organization that encourages and facilitates soccer at all ages and all skill-levels.
For more information about the Atlanta Silverbacks or the PDL team, please visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.
