From Brandeis University Athetics

Brandeis University has selected Mary Shimko '14 as the next head coach of the women's soccer program, director of athletics Lauren Haynie announced.

Shimko, who has been an assistant coach since 2017, succeeds Denise Dallamora, who has been the only coach in the 40-year history of the program.

"Throughout her tenure here as an assistant coach and during the interview process, Mary has demonstrated the commitment, passion and coaching attributes we desire at Brandeis," Haynie said. "Her focus on continuous improvement and attention to detail make her an ideal candidate to lead the women's soccer program to UAA success and national prominence. As an alumna, Mary truly understands the unique demands of being a student-athlete at Brandeis. Her commitment to the institution and women's soccer are unquestioned, and I look forward to watching this team grow when they return to campus."

Shimko has been an assistant coach at Brandeis for the last three seasons, earning a promotion to associate head coach in February. With her on the sidelines, the Judges are 35-17-4, reaching two NCAA Division III tournaments. The Judges advanced to the second round in 2017 and were knocked out in the first round in 2018. Over the past three seasons, Brandeis has produced six All-New England selections, 10 All-University Athletic Association honorees, 12 Academic All-UAA team members, and two student-athletes selected as Phi Beta Kappa. Shimko has also been instrumental in developing a leadership development curriculum for student-athletes.

"I am so thrilled to be named the next head coach for Brandeis women's soccer. It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of my mentor, Denise Dallamora," Shimko said. "I have been preparing for this opportunity since I was a student-athlete competing on Gordon Field. I could not be more excited to continue to grow this incredible program. I look forward to working with these talented young women and guiding them towards success. I want to thank Lauren Haynie and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to lead this program into a new era of Brandeis soccer."

Shimko was a four-year starter for the Judges at midfield, serving as a captain as a junior and senior. She helped the Judges to three postseason appearances, including a trip to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament in 2012 – at the time the best post-season performance in school history. She was the recipient of the James McCully '86 Award, which is presented to seniors who best exemplify the character, dedication, and good sportsmanship that were exhibited by inaugural Brandeis Hall of Famer McCully.

Shimko had previous collegiate coaching experience at Smith College in 2014 and 2015 and at the College of the Holy Cross in 2016 before rejoining Dallamora on the sidelines. In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, she has also served as a club head coach at the New England Football Club and at Global Premier Soccer in Waltham.

Shimko graduated from Brandeis in 2014 with a B.A. in business and received her M.S. in exercise and sport sciences from Smith in 2016.