Shawn Lucas joined the UIC cross country/track & field coaching staff as an assistant coach in January 2017.
Prior to UIC, Shawn coached and mentored the Mid-distance and distance men and women at DePaul University of the Big East Conference. During his time in Lincoln Park he led all of his athletes to Personal Best times at multiple distances along with providing a culture of excellence and encouraging each student athlete to become a student of their sport.
During the 2016 indoor and outdoor campaigns the Blue Demons mid-distance and distance programs experienced the most success in school history taking down more top 10 times than in any other year. Lucas coached Jeffrey Sattler to an NCAA first round qualification in the 800 meter run during the outdoor campaign and a school record 1:49.93. Sattler also led the attack on the record books, under Lucas' watchful eye, taking down the outdoor 3000 and leading a group of 3 other athletes to also break the old mark. At the 2016 Drake Relays, the Lucas coached 4x1600 team took home the 5th place honors with a school record time of 16:54.49 while the Distance Medley team came in 7th with a school record of 9:53.48. The 2016 indoor campaign was highlighted by Notre Dame Meyo Invitational DMR champions and indoor school record of 9:53.97.
Before his time at DePaul, Lucas spent the 2012-2013 school year as an assistant coach at Bradley university in Peoria, IL. He helped guide the Bradley men’s cross country team to its best NCAA Regional finish since 2007 and the Women's cross country to their highest conference finish as runner up. Lucas' mentoring role was vital in helping mentor Sarah McMahon, who advanced to the NCAA Track & Field West Regional in the 10,000 meters during the 2013 Outdoor campaign
In 2010-2012, Lucas helped the mid-distance and distance athletes at NAIA Judson University in Elgin, IL as a volunteer assistant coach while he attempted to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the summer of 2012. Lucas prepared all strength routine programs along with introducing the team to a more professional approach to training and racing.
A 2007 graduate of Loyola with degrees in human resource management and sport management. Since graduating and moving on from Rogers Park, Lucas has worked in sales with in the running and triathlon industry.
The 2007 Horizon League 1,000 meter individual champion, Lucas was a four-year letterwinner in cross country and track and field for the Ramblers. He was part of the 2005 NCAA qualifying cross country team, Loyola's first and only qualifying team. He was given the 2007 Sean Earl Pheidippides Award for dedication and commitment to excellence, in addition to being a finalist for the 2007 Loyola Damen Award.
