Shelly Novak, a Wilson graduate, became the head coach in 2000. Since then she has guided the Phoenix to four confrence championships. The first came in 2006 as Wilson won the Atlantic Women's Colleges Conference (AWCC) Championship. Novak then guided the Blue and White to three consecutive titles and NCAA tournament appearances with Colonial States Athletic Conference crowns in 2019, 2021, and 2022. During the 2021 season, Novak led the Phoenix to an undefeated regular season at 18-0.
In 2010, her team was recognized as the NCAA Division III leader in shutouts per game. Wilson was also a statistical national champion in 2021 in assists per game, scoring margin, and shutouts per game. In 2016, Novak guided the Phoenix to their second-straight appearance in the NEAC championship. During the 2015 season, Novak was named NEAC Coach of the Year as she guided the Phoenix to the inaugural NEAC regular season championship.
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Novak believes hard work, dedication and teamwork are values that lead to success on the field and in the classroom--and her teams strive to create a healthy balance between academics and athletics.
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While in college, Novak played field hockey and softball. She has a B.S. in veterinary medical technology and a minor in athletic coaching. Prior to her position at Wilson, Novak served as the assistant coach and goalie coach at Chambersburg Area Senior High School and Big Spring High School in Pennsylvania.
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Novak received an MBA from Frostburg State University in 2002. She also works as a health and fitness teacher at Chambersburg High School.