RALEIGH, NC --- William Peace University Athletics announced today that Claude Shields has been named the Director of Athletics after serving as the Interim Director of Athletics for the past year. Shields will continue to serve as the Head Men's Basketball Coach.
President Brian Ralph stated, "Claude has done an exceptional job in the interim role and I could not be more excited for him to take the helm as our Director of Athletics and continue to lead Pacer athletics forward. Our athletics staff, coaches, and student athletes are thriving and the future is bright!"
Shields was hired in the Fall of 2011 as the first ever Men's Basketball and Golf Coach in school history. During just their 2nd year in the USA South Athletic Conference in 2014-2015, the Men's Basketball program finished 2nd in the league, leading Shields to be named the first ever Coach of the Year in school history. During this past season, the Men's Basketball program set a program record for wins (18) and Shields surpassed 100 total wins as a head coach in a January 1st win at Lynchburg College.
In 2015, Shields was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director within the department, overseeing six different programs while also serving as the Compliance Coordinator, responsible for WPU, USA South and NCAA eligibility. On March 1, 2021, he was named the Deputy Director of Athletics - supervising additional programs and the Athletic Department operating budget. Shields was named the Interim Director of Athletics in May 2022- during which time WPU Athletics had one of their most successful years since becoming a four year co-ed institution - sending four different programs to the championship game of the USA South conference tournament.
Shields stated, "WPU has a special place in my heart. I have been here for 11 years, serving in a variety of different roles-- and I am excited to officially lead the Athletic Department as the Director of Athletics. We have an amazing group of staff and coaches that will continue to fail forward fast on our quest to reach new heights. I would like to thank both President Ralph and Vice President for Student Life Frank Rizzo for their guidance and continued support for myself and Athletics at WPU. We are excited to continue to build!"
Vice President for Student Life Frank Rizzo stated, "Since 2012, I have watched Coach Shields develop and grow in the many roles he has held in the athletics department. Coach Shields has always demonstrated that he has the potential to do more and continues to take on new responsibilities. This past year as interim athletic director, Coach Shields has proven he can do a lot more and will continue to build our athletic department and enhance our student athlete experience. I am honored that Coach Shields has accepted our offer to serve as our next Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach."
