After 26 years of building the Simon Fraser University women’s soccer program into one of the top collegiate soccer programs in North America, SFU head coach Shelley Howieson accepted a new position as the Facilities Manager for the SFU Athletics and Recreation Department.
“Over the years I had the good fortune to work with some of Canada’s finest collegiate athletes. More importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to watch so many aspiring young female athletes blossom into engaged young women ready to take on the world after their four years in our program,” said Howieson. “I have had many fond memories of some very significant milestones in our program, but what I’ll remember most are the wonderful people that have touched my life so profoundly over my years of coaching.”
Howieson built the program from the ground up, leading the Clan women’s soccer team since the program’s inception in 1988.
During her tenure, Howieson guided the Clan to 22 winning seasons and led the women’s soccer program in their transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to the NCAA, a transition that started with a second-place finish in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in the program’s first NCAA season in 2010.
Those seasons in the NAIA included two national championships in 1996 and 2000, including an impressive 274-162-47 overall record.
“I am pleased that after an illustrious career as our head women’s soccer coach that Shelley will be joining my staff as our facilities manager,” said Senior Director of Athletics and Recreation Milton Richards. “Not many coaches can boast multiple national championships and an impressive track record of developing extraordinary student-athletes. I’m thrilled that Shelley has chosen to continue her career on the administrative side of the department.”
Howieson coached for over 30 years, including numerous coaching appointments to senior provincial teams.
The Canadian Soccer Association honoured Howieson as the 3M coach of the year and in 1995 she was nominated for the YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
In addition to NAIA national championships, Howieson also led the Clan to a pair of runner-up finishes in 1997 and 1998.
Since starting a long and impressive run as head coach of the Clan, Howieson has been named NAIA coach of the year twice, as well as coach of the year by Sport B.C. and B.C. Soccer.
The NAIA Hall of Fame recognized Howieson’s accomplishments, inducting her into their hall of fame as part of their 2010/11 class.
In her new role, Howieson will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of facility operations for SFU athletics and recreation.
“This was the most difficult decision I’ve had to make in my life, however, when presented with this opportunity at this juncture of my career I felt I couldn’t turn it down. There has always been an administrative thread throughout my career, so I see this is a natural transition. It is now time for new challenges, I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to remain at this outstanding institution and still work with such great people,” said Howieson.
Howieson’s new role will begin immediately and an international search for her successor is also currently underway.
