District 205 approved the hiring of three new Galesburg High School varsity coaches Monday, two of which of remove the term interim from their title and the other who will lead the nation’s fastest growing sport.
The new hires include Shawn Hickey as varsity football coach, Nicole Kisler as varsity volleyball coach and Ryan Shipp as varsity girls wrestling coach.
Hickey and Kisler led their respective programs as interim head coaches this past season.
Nick Young, director of athletics for District 205, weighed in on the three new hires:
Shawn Hickey – GHS Varsity Football
A former Galesburg Silver Streaks athlete and longtime GHS social studies teacher, Hickey was named the interim football coach on July 1. He replaced Derrek Blackwell, who resigned the position June 7.
A 1996 GHS grad, Hickey coached football in several capacities at GHS from 2000 through 2011, ranging from sophomore assistant, sophomore head coach and the varsity defensive coordinator for five seasons.
The Streaks went 1-8 this past season.
Young says: “Shawn was thrust into a difficult situation this past season being hired with very little time before the season. However, it was evident from our first meeting that he was all-in, kid-centered, and his passion for our school and this team was evident. His ability to connect with kids, his energy and enthusiasm, and a willingness to work with other coaches in our school make him the ideal person for this position. It should also be mentioned that he did a great job of getting himself and the program organized in a quick manner. With the help of his staff, I feel he was able to build a foundation that he can build upon moving forward. We saw some exciting things from a program standpoint that were encouraging—a very successful freshman team, high numbers in our lower levels, and a focus on building not only good football players, but good people off the field.
“I’m excited for his first full year and to see how he continues to progress the program.”
Nicole Kisler – GHS Volleyball
Nicole Kisler replaced former head coach Mindy Matthews in August. She previously served as freshman coach.
Young says: “Similarly to Shawn Hickey, Nicole was hired with very little time before the fall season began. She had one returning coach on her staff and immediately had to find a freshman coach also while also facilitating summer activities that were already underway. She did a great job of immersing herself in the program and had a sharp learning curve that she had to adjust to. She hasn’t stopped even though the high school season has ended, as she’s been working closely with our junior high levels to implement her philosophy and offer support there.
“I’m excited to see her expectations implemented and the overall growth for our program.”
Ryan Shipp – GHS Girls Wrestling
A longtime assistant coach in the boys program, Ryan Shipp will serve as the first-ever varsity girls coach at GHS. He’s the father of former Streaks state champion Gauge Shipp.
Young says: “Girls wrestling is the nation’s fastest growing sport and that is also evident here in Illinois and Galesburg. Here at GHS, I think this starts with Greg Leibach and his staff coaches — Ryan Shipp included. Their willingness to grow the interest of a few girls into the current status of 20 and the IHSA’s sanctioning of the sport have produced a need for a dedicated program and coach.
“Ryan Shipp was the ideal hire. His work here currently as an assistant coach, connections in the world of high school wrestling and beyond, and his passion for the sport and kids has been evident for the years he’s been involved with our program.
“Success should continue to come early under his leadership. I won’t be surprised to see many of our girls on the podium come this postseason with their motivation and drive alongside Ryan’s leadership.