University of Richmond Athletics
Michael Shafer Announced as New Women's Basketball Coach
04/26/2005 | Women's Basketball
April 26, 2005
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UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - University of Richmond director of athletics Jim Miller introduced Michael Shafer, an 11-year assistant coach at the University of Georgia, as the new women's basketball head coach this afternoon at the Robins Center. Shafer, who spent the past two seasons as the Lady Bulldogs' associate head coach, becomes the 17th head coach in Richmond's 86-year history.
"Coach Shafer has demonstrated superior leadership skills at a national championship level women's basketball program for the past eleven years," Miller said. "His commitment to the welfare of his student-athletes fits perfectly with our principles at the University of Richmond."
Shafer 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.
A proven recruiter, he helped Georgia head coach Andy Landers sign five Top 10 freshman classes and inked the country's fifth best class this past year. Shafer has signed five high school All-Americans while serving the past three years as the Lady Bulldogs' recruiting coordinator.
In addition, he 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.
"I am excited about the opportunity to work at a prestigious academic institution like Richmond," Shafer said. "After meeting with the players, I understand why people have taken notice of the women's basketball program. There are an exceptional group of people here and my wife Erin and I are very happy about becoming part of the UR community."
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's father, John, previously served as the Athletic Director at Eastern Kentucky and Mississippi and the Senior Associate Athletic Director at Georgia. In addition, he worked in the athletic departments at Auburn and Vanderbilt.
Shafer, 33, is married to the former Erin Eisele. The couple has one daughter, Sophie Rinne, who was born August 31, 2004.
