MONMOUTH, Ill. – After being involved with Monmouth College volleyball for 25 years, Kari Shimmin has announced her retirement as the program’s head coach in order to devote her time to teaching at Monmouth.
A search for Shimmin’s successor will begin immediately, according to Monmouth Director of Athletics Roger Haynes.
The winningest and longest-serving coach in Fighting Scots volleyball history, Shimmin will continue her responsibilities as an instructor of kinesiology at the College. During her 21 years as volleyball head coach, Shimmin’s teams won 337 matches and a Midwest Conference championship.
“My husband, Hank, and I have had this discussion over the last few years, and we came to the conclusion it’s time,” said Shimmin. “I’ve been coaching for half my life, and while I love this team, this sport, and coaching at Monmouth College, I’m ready for the next chapter. Monmouth has been a great place to coach. I’ve had tremendous support from the College’s administration, I’ve worked with great student-athletes, parents and fans, and I’ve been part of a wonderful department. But I want to focus on my classes and advising students, and begin to work on my doctorate.
“After 25 years, it will be hard to not be a part of the volleyball program, but I am excited about the opportunity to be a full-time faculty member of this great College. It will also be nice to have more time to spend with my family.”
Shimmin, who has four school-age daughters, came to Monmouth as a student from nearby Union High School. She was a four-year letter-winner in volleyball, and a two-time All-Midwest Conference volleyball selection at outside hitter, which earned her induction into the M Club Hall of Fame in 2011. She received her degree in accounting in 1997.
After she graduated from Monmouth, Shimmin was named the Fighting Scots volleyball coach by then-Director of Athletics Terry Glasgow.
Shimmin coached Monmouth to seven 20-win seasons, setting the program record with 26 wins in 2002. The 2010 team won the Midwest Conference championship, and her 2018 squad received the conference’s Sportsmanship Award. Her players were consistently named to conference and national all-academic teams.
“I will be forever grateful to Dr. Glasgow for taking a chance on a young coach all those years ago,” said Shimmin, who is the College’s second-longest tenured coach after Haynes. “I could not have asked for a better group of co-workers. Everyone in the Huff Athletic Center has made it easy to come to work every day. I’ll treasure the memories and relationships built through athletics for the rest of my life.”
Haynes praised Shimmin for setting an example for her students and fellow coaches by observing high personal and ethical standards.
“Coach Shimmin was an excellent role model for both the student-athletes and our young coaches,” said Haynes. “She was a nurturing presence in our office and on the court. She showed everyone how to conduct themselves when coaching, playing and in everyday life. Her passion and love for volleyball, intercollegiate athletics and Monmouth College run deep. We’re glad she will remain part of the campus community, but she will be missed in the athletic department.”
