Following a national search, Lehigh Athletics has named Shawn McLaughlin the 13th head volleyball coach in program history. McLaughlin brings more than 15 years of coaching experience, having spent the previous three years as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Delaware.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shawn to Lehigh as our new head coach of women’s volleyball,” said Murray H. Goodman Dean of Athletics Jeremy Gibson. “His energy and experience, particularly his impactful role in building a strong program at the University of Delaware, stood out in our search. We are confident that his leadership, and commitment to student-athlete development will elevate our program and inspire excellence both on and off the court.”

McLaughlin was instrumental in leading one of the most successful stretches in Delaware Blue Hens history that included a 61-23 record, Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Championship in 2023 and runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2024. Under his leadership, McLaughlin helped coach and develop the 2023 CAA Player of the Year and All-American, 2024 CAA Setter of the Year and eight All-CAA honorees.

“I’m honored to step into the role of head volleyball coach at Lehigh University,” said McLaughlin. “This program has a strong tradition of excellence – both athletically and academically – and I’m excited to build on that legacy. Together, we will grow as individuals and as a team, representing Lehigh with pride and purpose.

“I want to sincerely thank Jeremy Gibson, Sue Troyan, Stacy Shiffert and the entire search committee for the opportunity,” McLaughlin continued. “I’m thrilled to represent Lehigh Athletics and to lead a program that reflects integrity, excellence and community.”

Prior to his time at Delaware, McLaughlin served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at South Alabama for the 2021 season, helping lead the Jaguars to the program’s first-ever Sun Belt Conference (SBC) regular-season title, first SBC Tournament championship and first NCAA postseason appearance. The Jaguars posted a 25-7 overall record, including a 15-1 mark in conference play. McLaughlin also assisted in coaching four all-SBC selections and two all-tournament honorees, including the SBC Championship Most Valuable Player.

McLaughlin spent three seasons (2018-20) as an assistant coach, recruiting and offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama Birmingham. While in Birmingham, McLaughlin coached two Conference USA all-freshman selections and an all-conference honoree. McLaughlin also worked as an assistant coach at the University of the Incarnate Word (2013-18), helping the Cardinals make the transition from Division-II to Division-I. While in San Antonio, McLaughlin coached and developed four all-conference honorees and qualified for the Southland Conference tournament every season.

In addition to his roles in Texas, Alabama and Delaware, McLaughlin also served in assistant and volunteer assistant coach roles with UC Davis (2009-11), the University of Nevada (2011-12) and the University of Denver (2012-13). His coaching career kicked off in the club volleyball circuit, where he has worked as head coach of Force Volleyball Club (2009-11), head coach and lead trainer of Silver State Volleyball Club (2011-12), head coach of San Antonio Magic Volleyball Club (2013-18) and oversight director of the Lower Alabama Volleyball Club (2022). While with San Antonio Magic, McLaughlin won a gold medal at the 2014 USAV Nationals, coached two Prep Volleyball All-Americans and achieved a top 50 ranking in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.

McLaughlin was an accomplished player in college, playing at Lindenwood University from 2004-09. The Lions three-peated during his time there, winning conference championships in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

McLaughlin graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in history education from Lindenwood. He resides in Bethlehem with his husband, two dogs and cat.

Lehigh University Athletics

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Fall 2004 Women's Volleyball Roster

Kathleen Lafferty

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