Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader

Don Shaw, a fixture in the Stanford volleyball programs for the past 25 years, today announced his retirement from coaching following the 2006 season. Shaw, who begins his seventh season coaching the Cardinal men's volleyball team, will be succeeded by his longtime assistant John Kosty, who has spent the past 15 years as Stanford's assistant men's volleyball coach.

Shaw, Stanford's women's volleyball coach for 16 years (1984-99), will remain with the Athletic Department as a physical education instructor. He will relinquish the reigns of the men's volleyball program to Kosty effective May 16, 2006.

"It's been a great ride," said Shaw. "I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity Stanford has given me to work with so many outstanding student-athletes. In addition, I'm grateful to have been provided with an environment for success by Dr. Leland as well as all of the coaches, administrators and support staff behind the scenes throughout these 25-plus years."

"It was a difficult decision, but I believe it's time to explore some new avenues," he said.

"Don helped build our women's volleyball program in the 1980's into a national powerhouse," said Athletic Director Ted Leland. "And he has done an outstanding job with the men's program as well. We want to thank him for his years of dedicated service and we wish him well in his future endeavors."

"We are fortunate to have a very experienced and talented coach in John Kosty ready to take over for Don," said Leland. "I am excited about the future of our men's volleyball program with John as our head coach. He has shown all of us what a tremendous coach he is and he is very deserving of having the opportunity to lead our program," said Leland.

Shaw began his coaching career at Stanford in 1980 as an assistant women's volleyball coach. In 1984, he was named Co-Head Coach of both the men's and women's program with Fred Sturm, a position he held for two seasons. In 1986, Shaw was named the Head Coach of the women's volleyball program.

In his 16-year tenure as Stanford women's volleyball head coach (1984-1999), Shaw guided the Cardinal to four NCAA Championships (1992, 1994, 1996, 1997) and 10 conference titles, including six Pac-10 Championships in a row from 1994-1999. In NCAA Tournament competition, he compiled a record of 50-12, guiding Stanford to 12 Final Fours and the NCAA Championship match eight times in his 16 seasons. His career winning percentage of .863 (440-70) ranks as the best in NCAA history. He was named National Women's Coach of the Year in 1991 and 1997, and Regional/District Coach of the Year in 1992, 1994 and 1997.

Shaw returned to coach the men's program in July, 2001. In six seasons at the helm of the Cardinal men, he has compiled a 90-79 (.533) record.

During Shaw's tenure on the Farm a total of 21 student-athletes have earned 45 All-American awards. Eighteen of his players went on to play for the U.S. National team, including Olympians Jon Root, Scott Fortune, Kim Oden, Bev Oden, Kristin Klein, Nancy Reno, Barbara Fontana, Kerri Walsh and Logan Tom.

"I'm happy that John Kosty will get the opportunity to be the next head coach", Shaw said. "He is an outstanding teacher and tactician and an even better person. He's paid his dues and Stanford is lucky to have him."

Kosty has been a member of the men's volleyball coaching staff at Stanford since 1990. He worked under head coach Ruben Nieves for 11 seasons (1990-2001) and Shaw for the past four years. Kosty has helped lead the Cardinal to one national championship (1997) and three conference titles during his tenure.

"I am very proud of what Stanford Men's Volleyball has accomplished and represents. I am honored to be given this opportunity to carry on the tradition," said Kosty.