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University of Richmond women's basketball head coach Michael Shafer enters his third season with the Spiders. Shafer has led Richmond to a 26-34 record in his first two seasons with the Spiders, including several major victories over top teams and arch-rivals. Shafer remained undefeated against ACC teams in the 2006-07 season after leading the Spiders to thrilling wins over Wake Forest and Virginia. During his inaugural season at Richmond, Shafer carried the Spiders to a 13-17 mark, including the program's first win over a nationally-ranked opponent in over 15 years (Temple) and the program's first win over arch-rival George Washington in 23 years. Shafer and his staff also signed what some recruiting services refer to as the country's 21st best class for 2006. Prior to his time at Richmond, Shafer spent 11 years as an assistant coach at the University of Georgia, serving his last two seasons as the associate head coach. He helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to 11-straight NCAA Tournament appearances and four Southeastern Conference championships, three regular-season titles and one tournament title. During his tenure, Georgia posted a 273-85 (.762) record and advanced to three NCAA Final Fours, appearing in the 1996 championship game. "Coach Shafer has demonstrated superior leadership skills at a national championship level women's basketball program," said Richmond athletic director Jim Miller. "His commitment to the welfare of his student-athletes fits perfectly with our principles at the University of Richmond." A proven recruiter, he helped Georgia head coach Andy Landers sign five Top 10 freshmen classes and inked the country's fifth best class in 2005. Shafer signed five high school All-Americans while serving his last three years at Georgia as the Lady Bulldogs' recruiting coordinator. In addition, Shafer was instrumental in the development of current WNBA players Coco Miller, Kelly Miller and Deanna Nolan, a 2003 All-Star. Shafer was named as one of the nation's Top 10 assistant women's basketball coaches in an informal internet survey of more than 750 coaches and administrators conducted by womenshoopscoop.com in 2003. His numerous contributions to the program were rewarded in June of 2003 when he was promoted to associate head coach. A 1994 graduate of William & Mary, Shafer earned a spot on the men's basketball team as a walk-on. He served as team co-captain in 1994 and served on the Student-Athletic Council during his senior season. The Athens, Ga. native received a bachelor's degree in business administration from William & Mary and earned his master's degree in sport management from Georgia in 1997. Shafer, 35, is married to the former Erin Eisele. The couple has two daughters, Sophie Rinne (three), and Sumner Reese (one). |
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