SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Shepherd College athletic director Monte Cater recently announced that Jim Sweeney has been named the new head coach of the Shepherd women's soccer team. Sweeney succeeds Jason Childers who resigned to pursue other interests.
Sweeney brings a considerable amount of soccer experience as both a player and a coach to the Ram soccer program.
A 1998 graduate of Albright College, Sweeney was a four-year standout as a goalkeeper for the Lions. He broke numerous school records including most saves in a game (31), shutouts in a season (4), and career saves (698). Sweeney earned All-Conference honors at Albright and was a three-time team most valuable player.
After graduation, Sweeney served as an assistant at Albright for the men's team for three years (1998-2000). The 1999 team set a school record for most wins with 10. Sweeney also worked as an assistant girl's soccer coach at Conrad Weiser High School in Wernersville, PA. He helped guide the team to the Berks County Championship title in 2000.
Sweeney has also had coaching stints with the Olympic Development Program in eastern Pennsylvania and most recently served as an assistant coach to both the men's and women's soccer programs at St. Edward's University in Austin, TX. He was the main assistant for the men's team, while working with the goalkeepers for both teams.
In addition to his coaching duties, Sweeney also serves as the assistant director for the Shepherd College Wellness Center.