"I had an overall bad experience playing at IUE simply because of the coaching staff. I was threatened to be kicked off the team for actions that I did not do and I was always the one he made an “example” out of. At one point he threw a game and didn’t play certain players (including myself) because he wanted to make a point. Even players started talking bad about me and treating me negatively because of him. The practices were pretty much always a waste of time and unorganized. I don’t know what changed because my first year there the practices used to be really good. The stress and anxiety I had to deal with because of him was unbearable but I stayed because I was on scholarship, which he promised there was always an opportunity to earn more money. However, I never got that chance even though I proved myself in many ways. Overall it was a terrible experience with the soccer program and I still think about the emotional turmoil I endured in my time at IUE. "
"Shane is a very unprofessional coach. There were many times where he would scream at players on and off the field, cussing out people on the bench, calling them names and insulting them. In the heat of the moment he will make decisions based off his mood, and never making the right calls when it came to substitutions or placement on the field. He would bring his own personal issues with him to practice and games and take it out on players at the flip of a switch. He played favorites (though he denied this when called out) where he would be screaming at players for making one mistake and complimenting and praising his favorites even after they had made many mistakes that would often cause the loss of a match. He only ever checked up on his favorites and never the other players. After getting out of surgery while I was on the team he didn’t even check up and ask how I was, but went out of his way to check in daily on those he favorited, even if they had nothing going on. He did not own up to his mistakes and lacked the ability to be truthful or helpful when players asked him what they could do to improve. He took away scholarships for reasons that were unrelated to soccer and when those reasons were remedied he came up with excuses as to why he wouldn’t give the scholarships back. He lacked empathy for those who had no other choice to get a job outside of the sport in order to pay for schooling and other expenses, even in full knowledge of their financial situation, even going as far as insulting those who did, calling them ungrateful and not committed to the team. He is stubborn, biased and unmoving, even when it is proven to him countless times that he was wrong. Because of him, the team suffered and was divided. Not to mention that the turnover rate for quitting the team was astronomical. Many who quit would say he was the reason they lost their love of the sport. Personally, I believe he was the reason I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and the reason I had such a negative view of myself. He never once uplifted me or supported me in the way that a coach should. "
"I played for IUE women’s team for my freshman year. Which turned out to be my only year. He made me feel uncomfortable and disrespected not only me but my family, he acts like he cares about others but turns out to try his absolute best to make you feel unwanted and question your abilities. He’s personally discriminated 3 other girls and I included on MLK day with a childish text that wasn’t needed. He has also come to practice with alcohol on his breathe. I have no words for my experience and don’t wish this experience on anybody."
"Destroyed me emotionally and mentally the last two seasons that I transferred, threatened me, manipulated me, talked down about my family all while I've been at IUE and made me hate the game l've played my whole life. This man is a narcissist and an abuser who is very smart about how he goes about his words over text but would call at all ours of the night cussing you out and talking about anything that’s not soccer related. Also told my multiple people that the man is an alcoholic that people who know him ask if he still has a drinking problem and makes sense that the whole team get told that he is at a bar every night and also told a player that he gets so drunk every night he has to leave his car and walk to get it in the morning "
"Beware this coach is a great salesman. We thought we were sending our daughter off to have a positive experience with someone who would be supportive and help her grow as an athlete and young adult. That was far from what took place, this man is verbally and emotionally abusive. There is not accountability due to the fact he is close friends with the AD. When confronted about his behavior his narcissistic personality definitely comes out. No accountability for anything he says or does to the athletes. Sends crazy random messages to his team about his divorce and holidays that he claims to have experience with then sends private texts to girls claiming he didn't mean to offend them because they have minority blood. If your your daughter loves the sport and is thinking about playing for this man. Please do your research, there is a reason so many athletes leave this team. If we knew then what we know now our daughter's decision would have definitely been different."
"Great salesman when recruiting players, but horrible coach! Calls players late at night to yell at them in a manner that is VERY inappropriate to ensure he tears down your daughters confidence to make her think she’s stupid and sucks at playing soccer. And then be very nice the next day after intensely yelling at your daughter the night before, most likely to ensure she doesn’t tell on him to higher authorities. Will make your daughter hate the sport she once loved. He definitely has some mental health issues that he cannot control around his players. Each year he is recruiting basically an entire team because of how many girls choose to quit after one season of him coaching. He also will start drama between players to create division between his own team, and encourage the drama by saying he loves the intensity. And if your daughter gets hurt, don’t expect him to be caring or inquire about her health, in fact he may tell you she is faking and threaten to pull her scholarship.
If your daughter loves the games of soccer, has worked hard to get to the college level, and wants a positive college athletic experience, DO NOT send your daughter to this man! He will make her hate the sport she once loved
"
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