WASHINGTON – A generous gift to Georgetown University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics from Ed (C'66, Parent '94, '98, '98) and Irene Shaw (Parent '94, P'98, P'98) will bolster the sports performance area as the family continues to fund improvements relating directly to student-athlete experience. This new position will work specifically with the women's soccer program, but also aid sports performance with an additional full-time staff member as the Shaw's continue to support GU's more than 700 student-athletes.

This impressive gift is another example of the Shaw Family's dedication to the Department of Athletics. In 2013, the Shaws gave the Department its largest gift ever with a $5 million commitment. This money helped to fund the construction of the John R. Thompson Intercollegiate Athletics Center as well as renovations turning the soccer field into one of the finest playing surfaces in the nation. For these improvements, the field was renamed Shaw Field.

The family's commitment to women's soccer does not come as a surprise as a previous gift was instrumental in elevating women's soccer from a club sport to varsity level.

"We are extremely grateful for the continued generosity of the Shaw Family," said Francis X. Rienzo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Reed. "It has made a tremendous impact on the success of our soccer programs and Department at large. The addition of this position will enhance the competitive advantage of our women's soccer program and contribute to the holistic development of our students. Irene and Ed's support of the women's soccer program stretches almost three decades as they helped create the program on the Hilltop and their most recent commitment will promote the team's continued competitiveness."

Ed Shaw spent his career in both private law practice and as a corporate general counsel, and is currently a board member of a number of public entities and nonprofit organizations. Both he and Irene have served multiple terms on the university's Board of Regents with Irene currently serving as an Emeritus member of the Athletics Committee. In 2014, she received the Patrick Healy Award, awarded to an individual who is not an alumnus/a, but whose achievements and record of service to Georgetown, community and professional achievements, exemplify the ideals and traditions of Georgetown.

The Shaws are parents of five children--Hope (C'94), Holly (C'98), Julia (C'98), Christopher and Rory. They also have three sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law who graduated from Georgetown. Hope, Holly and Julie all played soccer on the Hilltop.

"Irene and I have long been believers in the value of intercollegiate athletics," said Ed Shaw. "It provides a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their undergraduate experience by pursuing their interests, developing their talents and learning the value of teamwork. We are proud of the work being done by Coach Nolan and the team's continued success on the field and in the classroom. We hope the addition of this position will have a positive impact on student-athletes for years to come."

The women's soccer program continues to be among the nation's best, partially thanks to gifts like the Shaw's. This past season the team won its fourth BIG EAST Championship in five years and advanced to the NCAA Round of 16. The squad boasted five United Soccer Coaches All-East Region honorees as well as two All-Americans.

"Our program is deeply grateful for the continued commitment and support of Ed and Irene," said Head Coach Dave Nolan. "During my 21 years on the Hilltop they have been our greatest fans. We would not be where we are today without their many generous contributions. I am especially excited about the addition of this new position to our staff as it will be hugely impactful in the training and competitiveness of our student-athletes. We never standstill, and both on and off the field we are constantly improving, this really helps."

While most people believe athletes just weight lift or work out, the Georgetown Sports Performance Department has a complete and comprehensive approach to training the student-athletes. It encompasses all aspects of human performance and embodies a holistic process towards athletic improvement. To ensure this success, Sports Performance Coaches work in collaboration with each sports team staff, Athletic Trainers, Nutritionists, and Mental Health staff to better the student-athlete.

"Proper care and training of our student-athletes is of the utmost importance for the Department of Athletics, said Associate Athletics Director for Sports Performance Mike Hill. "The addition of a sports performance coach for our team will have a profound impact on our ability to support our student-athletes as they compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics."