Coach Melody Shotwell brings a wealth of experience, passion, and success to the AIST coaching staff, having led multiple international tours over the past seven years. A former NCAA Division I standout at Old Dominion University and now the head coach at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Shotwell is a proven leader on and off the field.
In just her second season at SCAD, she guided the Bees to a 14-6 record, an undefeated 6-0 Sun Conference record, and a #1 tournament seed, earning back-to-back Sun Conference Championships and a berth in the NAIA National Semifinals. For her outstanding leadership, she was named the 2024 Sun Conference Coach of the Year. Under her direction, SCAD players received numerous All-American honors and broke multiple school records in scoring, defense, and games played.
Shotwell’s first season was equally impressive—earning titles such as 2023 NAIA Coach of the Year, SCAD Coach of the Year, and IWLCA Coach of the Year, while leading the team to a Sun Conference Championship and a national runner-up finish. Her impact extended far beyond the scoreboard, building a program culture grounded in excellence, commitment, and character.
A seasoned international coach, Shotwell traveled with AIST to Italy where she led the USA squad to Gold Medal honors in the Italy Lacrosse Cup, defeating national teams from Wales, England, and Italy. Her ability to connect with players and elevate team performance on the international stage makes her a cornerstone of AIST’s lacrosse program.
Before her collegiate coaching success, Shotwell made her mark as a transformative coach at the high school level in Florida and Virginia, building powerhouse programs, launching youth development leagues, and serving as both a coach and certified national-level official. With over 15 years of coaching experience and a lifetime of dedication to the sport, she is a mentor who understands the full scope of athletic and personal development.
Melody continues to bring energy, integrity, and international experience to every AIST tour, inspiring young athletes to compete with passion and represent their country with pride.
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