2017-18 is Shannon Thompson's first season on the sidelines for William & Mary volleyball, after a standout playing and coaching career at one of the most successful Division III programs in the country. Thompson will have specific responsibility for coaching the Tribe's middle blockers, as well as helping with all administrative and off-court aspects of running W&M's resurgent program.
Thompson comes to Williamsburg from her alma mater, UMass Boston, where she was the assistant coach for two seasons. She helped the Beacons improve from 12-16 in 2015 to 29-5 last year, winning Little East conference titles and reaching the NCAA Tournament both years.  With Thompson helping on the coaching side, UMass Boston players totaled five All-American honors, while the Beacon offense improved from 11.21 kills per set and a 0.182 attack in 2014 (the year before she rejoined the team), to 12.47 kills per set and a 0.249 attack in 2016. Prior to coaching, Thompson spent two years as a professional volleyball player in Europe.
The greatest hitter in UMass Boston school history, Thompson ended her college career as a four-time Little East Conference Tournament champion and a two-time NCAA Regional Tournament champion. She was the first Beacon in UMass Boston history to be named a three-time LEC Offensive Player of the Year, and was also four-time first-team all-conference honoree. As a senior in 2013, Thompson was named the New England Women’s Volleyball Association (NEWVA) Player of the Year in 2013 and was a three-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American, earning first-team honors in 2010.
Amongst her many other accolades, Thompson also became the first player in school history to be named an AVCA National Player of the Week. The all-time leader in kills with 1,803, Thompson averaged 3.89 kills per set in a combined 467 sets played. Her career hitting percentage of .299 ranks her third in school history, while she also stands as the first player ever with 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs (1,202). Her 120 solo blocks and 256 block assists for 376 total blocks are also program bests.
Thompson graduated from UMass Boston in 2013 with her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Health Science, and is currently in progress towards her MBA from UMass Boston as well.
