‘I have nothing but fondness and great memories’: Longtime CCU coach retires

CONWAY, SC (WMBF) - A longtime men’s soccer coach calls it a career after 26 seasons at Coastal Carolina University.

Shaun Docking has announced his retirement after a long and successful career as the coach of the Chanticleers, according to Coastal Carolina Athletics.

“I want to thank everyone at Coastal,” Docking said. “It has been a wonderful experience and opportunity for me, and I have nothing but fondness and great memories.

Carrying a record of 312 wins, 167 losses, and 56 ties, Docking won 12 regular season conference titles (9 Big South, 3 Sun Belt) and 11 conference tournament titles (7 Big South, 4 Sun Belt).

He also took home six “Big South Coach of the Year” awards and two “Sun Belt Coach of the Year” awards to go along with 11 NCAA tournament trips.

Vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation, Chance Miller, had high praise for the coach, saying, “Coach Docking has built a men’s soccer program that has excelled on and off the field.”

Miller also outlined Docking’s ability to prepare his players for success outside of the game of soccer. “His leadership has not only developed outstanding soccer players but also shaped young men into leaders,” said Miller.

Docking also had success preparing players for the next level of soccer past their time at CCU, with 25 of his former players going on to play professional soccer.

But Docking said he is now looking forward to what comes next.

“It is now time for me to pursue some business opportunities and ventures that I have been working on as I am very excited about my next chapter in my career,” Docking said.

Assistant coach Chris Fidler has been named the acting interim head coach for this upcoming season.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WMBF. For more free content like this, download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.