Springfield, Mass. – July 10, 2025 – Springfield College Director of Athletics, Dr. Craig Poisson, is pleased to announce that Kursten Shade has been named as the head women's soccer coach and assistant professor of physical education at Springfield College.

"Kursten's previous roles at two NCAA Division I institutions, along with her strong commitment to the development of the whole person aligns so well with both our model and our Humanics Philosophy," said Poisson. "I look forward to Coach Shade leading our young women on the pitch."

Shade comes to Alden Street following stints as the women's soccer assistant coach at both Division I Kansas State University and Division I Presbyterian College. In 2024, Presbyterian secured the fifth seed in the Big South Championship Tournament and won its first-ever Big South Tournament Game over Longwood in penalty kicks. That same season, five of her student-athletes garnered All-Conference honors and recorded a winning season for the first time in 20 years.

"I am beyond excited for the opportunity to be the next Head Women's Soccer Coach at Springfield College," said Shade. "I extend my gratitude to Dr. Poisson, President Cooper, and the hiring committee for this opportunity and their dedication to the women's soccer program. Springfield College is a special place with a rich history of success, both in the classroom and on the field. I want to thank Matt Smith, Mike Dibbini, Don Trentham, and Nathan Williams for their guidance and support throughout my career. I offer the biggest thanks to my incredible family and a special thanks to my husband, Chad, who I am beyond excited to be on this journey with. The lessons I have learned, people I have met, and memories I have made because of this sport are the driving force in everything that I do."

Shade played two seasons as a student-athlete at North Carolina State University where she helped the Wolfpack to 23 wins and back-to-back appearances in the third round of the NCAA Division I Championship Tournament. Shade converted the final penalty kick in the team's 5-4 upset win over No. 7 Santa Clara in the second round of the 2018 tournament before NC State knocked off No. 8 Arkansas in the second round of the 2019 tournament, 2-1. She then played her junior and senior seasons at Kansas State where she helped the women's soccer program reach the Big 12 Conference Championship Tournament for the first time in program history in 2022.

"I am honored to be working in a department with such experienced leaders, coaches, and support staff. The opportunity to lead such an impressive group of women is humbling. I can't wait to get to work at Brock-Affleck Field and capitalize on the building success of this program over the last several years."

Shade graduated from Kansas State with a degree in health and nutrition.

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