Lynn University Fighting Knights

Boone, N.C.–Lynn University and its athletic department are mourning following the news of former head men’s soccer coach Shaun Pendleton’s sudden passing.  A member of the Fighting Knight family for 17 years, Pendleton amassed a record of 293-42-12 from 1991-2007, winning two national championships and six Sunshine State Conference titles before moving on to DI Appalachian State for the 2008 season.

“Shaun was a trusted colleague and friend and we worked closely together to build Lynn’s soccer and athletic programs,” said senior vice president for administration Gregory Malfitano.  “He came here in 1991 to join with the men’s soccer team and continued the program’s national prominence, consistently competing for national championships throughout his 17 years with us.  His presence at Lynn is a large part of our athletic history.  We are deeply saddened and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and former student-athletes, who he loved and cared about so much.”

Pendleton arrived on campus in the fall of 1991 after putting together a two-year record of 27-8-1 at the University of Charleston (W.Va.). He immediately put his name in the record books by going 22-0-2 and winning the program’s second national championship. He would go on to reach the NAIA national tournament four more times, including runner-up finishes in 1992 and 1993.

“We are deeply saddened by Coach Pendleton’s passing,” said Director of Athletics Kristen Migliano.  “Shaun was an extraordinary soccer coach, so committed to his athletes and his sport. Shaun’s hard-working style and incredible knowledge of soccer led him to incredible success throughout his career. Coach will be missed by the many young men whose lives he touched.”

The move to the NCAA and the ultra-competitive SSC did little to slow down Pendleton as he advanced the Fighting Knights to the NCAA Tournament nine times in 12 years.  In 2003, he claimed his second and the program’s third national crown.

Not only did the Knights succeeded as a team, but plenty of individual student-athletes excelled under Pendleton’s tutelage.  Of the 84 All-America selections in program history, 46 came under Pendleton while 23 of the 27 Scholar All-Americans were honored with the Sheffield, England, native at the helm.

“I’m in shock and extremely saddened by the news of Shaun’s passing,” said Ross Lumsden, a former student-athlete (2000-03) and the 2003 NCAA Division II National Men’s Soccer Player of the Year.  “He was a big part of my life and there was a deep respect for his coaching, as he was probably the best coach I’ve ever had.  Anyone who knew him as a coach or player learned from him and he will be missed.”

“Shaun Pendleton was a remarkable coach, mentor and friend,” added Gareth Fowles, Lynn’s Vice President for Enrollment Management and former player (1995-98). He made a profound impact on all of his player’s lives by taking a personal and professional interest in each of them.  He was a charismatic leader who earned the respect of his players by going above and beyond to make each successful on the field and in the classroom. Today is a day saddened by this tragedy, but Shaun will always be remembered with fond memories by his former players and the Lynn community.”