Appointed Head Coach of women's tennis in 2010, Shannon Carney coaches both the short fall season and the spring season. She also teaches the tennis physical education course each semester. In addition, Carney serves on several College committees and helps recruit student-athletes. She has also worked in Student Life as a Residential Counselor. A member of the United States Tennis Professional Association for 32 years, she holds an Elite Professional ranking and competes at the local and national levels. A Professional Tennis Registry member with a rank of Professional in Adult Development.
"I was led to teaching and coaching because of my love for learning. I wanted to share this with my students. I think of those "Ah-ha" moments when things come together as God glorified, Mind expressed."
EDUCATION
- MA, Education, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Phoenix
- BA, University of California, Los Angeles
SCHOLARLY INTERESTS
- Coaching and leadership
- Education and excellence in teaching
- Character development
- Tennis technique, tactics, and movement
- Team building
CONTRIBUTIONS TO FIELD
Under Carney's leadership, Principia's women tennis players have achieved notable distinctions:
- Conference record of 78-13
- 10Â Players of the Year
AWARDS
- SLIAC Coach of the Year 2013, 2014, 2016 / UMACÂ South Coach of the Year 2023, 2024
- NCAA Division IÂ All-American for Women's Tennis, UCLA, 1979
- Coaches Award for Outstanding Athlete, UCLA, 1979
- Dwight Davis Open Women's Singles Champion 2012, 2013. 2017, 2018
- USTA National Women's Indoor Singles Champion 2018
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
- Intercollegiate Tennis Association
- United States Tennis Professional Association
- Professional Tennis Registry
- United States Tennis Association Alliance of Women Coaches
- International Tennis Performance Association
- SLIAC Women's Tennis Committee member, 2013–2015
Curriculum Vitae
Shannon Carney CV
1. When did you start playing tennis and why?
My dad and brother loved tennis and I wanted to learn the game. When I was 13 I thought maybe it could be a career. And that decision to dedicate myself to improving my tennis has provided a tennis career for me. It has been awesome coaching at Principia College and learning and teaching the women on the team.
2. What do you love most about tennis?
I love that there is always opportunity to turn the game around so that I am bringing out my best tennis. I like that tennis is like chess. You learn the opponents moves and best shots and you keep him from hitting his best and favorite shots and do your best. One can set an intention for what to do the next time your opponent plays a shot that surprised you the first time. You can preset the play you want to run.
2. What excites you most about coaching at Principia?
The opportunity to learn, grow in character, and improve my tennis and coaching with the inspiring and incredible women on the Principia Women's Team.
Whats your favorite....
Movie? Love Actually
TV Show? Ted Lasso
Food? Indian: Chicken Korma and Thai: Pad See Ew
Restaurant? House of India
Hobbies? Dancing: West Coast Swing and Ballroom
Pro Athlete? Roger Federer
Coaching Memory? Coaching Principia Women's Tennis to the Regional NCAA Championship and returning the SLIAC trophy to Principia!
