Shannon McDonnell begins her second season as assistant coach of the Colorado School of Mines women’s soccer program in 2014. McDonnell played four seasons as a midfielder with Illinois (2004-07), teaming with her sister, Mary Therese, to lead the Illini to a 56-28-7 overall record and four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a berth in the 2004 Elite Eight and 2006 Sweet Sixteen. She also competed for the Windy City Bluez of the W-League and the Chicago Gaels before joining the Chicago Red Stars in 2011. A three-time Jeremy Daly Award recipient (2005-07) and the Fighting Illini Spirit Award winner in 2008 while at Illinois, McDonnell accumulated 12 caps during a five-year tenure on the Republic of Ireland National Team (2009-13).
