DOYLESTOWN (Pa.) – Delaware Valley University Director of Athletics David Duda announced on Wednesday morning that Shaq Stephenson was chosen to lead the men's soccer team as head coach after a national search.
Stephenson becomes the ninth head coach of the program since 1976, succeeding Chris Zirpoli who announced his resignation in January after a six-year stint.
"We are thrilled to welcome Shaq," said Duda. "We had an outstanding pool of applicants, and Shaq's shared vision for the program, outstanding record as a recruiter and team builder, along with his unbridled enthusiasm for the position set him apart." Duda continued, "We look forward to supporting his efforts in reaching his lofty goals for the men's soccer program."
Stephenson brings nine years of coaching experience, including the past five with his alma mater East Stroudsburg University of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and NCAA Division II. In addition to his role with the Warriors, Stephenson held multiple coaching positions at the club level with Nazareth Soccer Club, since 2014, and the Lehigh Valley United from 2018-2022.
During his time with ESU, Stephenson worked under veteran head coach, Rob Berkowitz, where he helped the Warriors earn PSAC Tournament berths three times while posting a 35-30-9 record over four seasons. Stephenson helped the Warriors to 20 All-PSAC selections, four United Soccer Coaches All-Region honorees, 15 All-Region selections, and was instrumental in bringing in 21 recruits in 2022 - the largest recruiting class during his time.
A native of St. Ann, Jamaica, and current resident of Philadelphia, Stephenson earned a bachelor's degree in public health and a master's degree in management and leadership from East Stroudsburg. He was a four-year contributor on the men's soccer team and served as team captain for a year. Stephenson made 66 appearances with 47 starts as a defender for the Warriors. He started 18-of-19 games his senior season, playing a key role on both sides of the field while helping the Warriors earn their first PSAC title since 2007. He totaled two goals and three assists offensively, and contributed to a back-line that surrendered just 17 goals in 20 contests.
"I am truly honored to be named the next Head Coach of Delaware Valley University men's soccer," said Stephenson. "I would like to thank Director of Athletics, Mr Duda, Dr. April Vari, Carol DiGirolamo, and the rest of the search committee for giving me this incredible opportunity."
Stephenson also thanked those that helped him reach this career goal, "I would like to thank coach Rob Berkowitz for his mentorship and guidance during the past five years at East Stroudsburg, along with ESU Director of Athletics, Dr. Allen Snook, and each and every member and supporter of the ESU Warrior Athletics community."
"When I arrived on campus, I knew this is exactly where I wanted to be. I'm looking forward to serving the student athletes of DelVal, and to building on the history of the program. Nil sine magno labore."
Stephenson will look to build upon an Aggie program that has seen win totals increase each of the last four seasons and finished eighth out of nine MAC Freedom teams in 2022.
