EOU Announces Hiring of Scott Shannon as Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, July 13th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from Eastern Oregon University) Eastern Oregon University is thrilled to announce the appointment of Scott Shannon as the new head coach of the women’s lacrosse program. With an extensive coaching background, Shannon brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence to the team.
“As a longtime successful high school head coach, Scott brings an unmatched knowledge of the sport and a desire to be successful,” Athletic Director Anji Weissenfluh said. “I believe that Coach Shannon is just the person to build our lacrosse program and help grow the sport in our region.”
Shannon, a native of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, has 16 years of coaching experience in lacrosse. As a former high school coach, he gained experience helping athletes become successful lacrosse players, regardless of prior experience in the sport. Shannon’s expertise lies in utilizing the experiences gained from other sports to mold skilled players and create a cohesive team. His unique coaching approach has been particularly effective in areas where lacrosse is a recent sport offering.
“My vision for the women’s lacrosse program at EOU is to see our student-athletes develop not only on the lacrosse field but also in the classroom and in their endeavors outside of EOU,” Shannon said. “I expect to build stability, traditions, and a culture surrounding the program that will bring student-athletes to La Grande and foster long term development.”
Throughout his coaching career, Shannon has achieved numerous notable milestones, including guiding players to play lacrosse at all three NCAA levels. His teams have secured three district championships and a region championship in 2022. Additionally, Shannon has coached four players to reach the 100-career goal milestone. His coaching prowess has also resulted in numerous All-District selections, including the 2022 player of the year.
He specializes in working with goalies, helping them become key parts of the defense and the first point of attack. His focus on breaking down mechanics and refining player fundamentals has made a significant difference in development. From a philosophy standpoint, Shannon believes in the rounded development of athletes both on and off the field.
“I want to help develop student athletes who are outstanding lacrosse players but who are outstanding students and generally all-around great people on and off the field,” Shannon said.
One of Shannon’s key strengths lies in developing young programs. With experience in launching several start-up programs, he has an understanding in setting realistic goals, developing strategies, and establishing team culture and traditions that drive success.
Shannon grew up in an area where lacrosse was not played and discovered his passion for the sport during his college years, where he played on the first men’s team at Eastern College (Pennsylvania). Since then, he transitioned to coaching the women’s game, with his wife, Mariah, serving as an assistant coach for the past decade.
Outside of coaching, Shannon dedicates himself to child welfare work and is an avid runner, having completed three marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2023. He enjoys spending time outdoors, engaging in activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking with his wife. As a proud father of three grown daughters, Shannon cherishes family time and values the importance of work-life balance.
“I would like to thank Director of Athletics Anji Weissenfluh and the committee for believing in my vision for the lacrosse program in its next phase of development,” Shannon said. “Eastern Oregon has a strong tradition of preparing students in the classroom, fostering character development and having success in athletic competition, and I am eager to be a part of a team that contributes to those traditions.”
