POULTNEY—Green Mountain College announced March 29 that Kip Shipley, former associate athletics director at La Sierra University, has been named director of athletics at Green Mountain College. Shipley’s appointment marks the end of a two-month search that attracted over 100 applicants from across the country.
“Kip stood out from a very strong pool of candidates for the athletics director position from across the country,” said Vice President of Student Life Joe Petrick. “He has a wide range of collegiate athletics experiences through his previous role as associate athletics director, which included significant emphasis on compliance, recruitment and development. In addition to the wealth of experience he brings, Kip embraces the sustainability mission of Green Mountain College.”
Shipley, a California native, attended California Polytechnic University of Pomona, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences while also serving as a four-year starter on the varsity soccer team, leaving the program among the top ten in goals, assists and total points. He furthered his education by completing a master’s in physical education and recreation at Azusa Pacific University.
At La Sierra University, Shipley served as associate athletics director and played an integral role in the process of transitioning between the NAIA and NCAA Division III. In 2008, he was chosen to be an NCAA site representative for the NCAA Division III soccer playoffs.
As a collegiate soccer head coach, Shipley managed a 30-24-3 record while at La Sierra, including a 10-3-1 season which resulted in the team receiving an NCAA Division III national ranking. Success that season led to his nomination as the Division III Independent National Coach of the Year. Shipley coached the 2007 DIII Independent Freshman National Player of the Year and helped to develop six DIII Independent All-Conference players over his four seasons as head coach.
From 2012-2015, Kip served as a consultant in developing La Sierra’s athletics advisory committee to increase fundraising and support for the athletics program. In addition, Kip has also served as the Science Department Head for the Murrieta Valley Unified School District.
“Kip made such an impact in so many areas within the athletics department at La Sierra University that his contributions still remain evident to this day,” said Javier Krumm, current athletic director at La Sierra.
As athletic director at GMC, Shipley will have responsibility for 14 varsity teams and their coaches. The department of athletics also supports a community program involving the student-athletes and manages the college’s athletic facilities, including the Eagle Dome, fitness center and varsity facilities. “I would like to thank the students, coaches, staff and administrators that were part of the selection committee, for having the confidence in me to lead the Green Mountain College athletic department,” said Shipley. “I am honored to work for a college that emphasizes the environment and I look forward to creating a vision for the athletic department that will reflect that mission. My passion is to see student-athletes compete and succeed in the classroom and on the athletic fields. I consider it a privilege to be joining the Green Mountain College community.”
GMC is a member of the North Atlantic Conference, a Division III athletic conference in the New England region. Shipley will begin his work at GMC on July 1.
