Champaign, IL - University of Illinois men's lacrosse head coach A.J. Stevens has announced the hiring of Doug Shanahan as assistant head coach with the Illini.

"Doug is one the best players in the world with a great understanding of the game," said Stevens, who enters his third season at Illinois and has led the Illini to the GRLC finals the last two seasons. "He is a Tewaaraton Trophy winner and World Games MVP, he can teach our guys a lot about shooting, stickwork, and the hard work it takes to be a successful player. He is also going to have a lot of responsibility in our recruiting efforts. I am excited to have him on our coaching staff."

Shanahan boasts one of the more impressive playing resumes around, including playing professionally in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) with the Philadelphia Barrage (2002-2005) and the Chicago Machine (2006 and 2007). Shanahan was a midfielder on the Barrage's 2004 MLL championship squad. He has been named to the MLL All-Star team twice.

Shanahan had a phenomenal senior season for Hofstra, earning first-team All-America honors and being selected as the nation's outstanding midfielder and player. He was the inaugural winner of the Tewaaraton Trophy, presented to the nation's top player. He helped Hofstra to the NCAA quarterfinals in 1999 and 2001. Shanahan was also a two-time All-America defensive back in football at Hofstra, leading the school to three NCAA Division I-AA playoff appearances.

Doug has recently relocated to Champaign with wife Jessica, daughter Riley, and their two dogs Leila and Kirby.

2007-08-16