Jake Shannon ’25

By the time his UNCW soccer career ended, defensive player Jake Shannon ’25 had logged 6,219 minutes on the field, the fourth highest total in program history — cementing his legacy as one of UNCW’s most steadfast and impressive players.

Shannon’s love for soccer took root in Apex, North Carolina, where, as a young child, he first stepped onto the field. From that moment, his goal was clear: to become a professional player. Ever since, he has been dedicated to pursuing that dream.

“I first started playing when I was about 4 years old and I fell in love with it then,” said Shannon. “I think that has always been the biggest motivator for me.”

Shannon was strategic when it came time to choose a university. Luckily, UNCW offered the perfect combination of community, success and opportunities, including the Calvin Lane Soccer Alumni SAA Endowed Scholarship. “UNCW has a very strong soccer program, and I had some great conversations with the coaches in my recruiting process,” he said. “I really liked them as people and how they played.”

During his standout career at UNCW, Shannon earned numerous accolades including 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Second Team, 2025 CAA Co-Defender of the Year and 2025 United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region First Team. A four-time All-CAA selection (Third Team 2022-24, First Team 2025), he also served as team captain his senior year, successfully leading by example on and off the field.

“My parents, my siblings, my coaches, my teammates and my friends have all believed in me and pushed me to be the best version of myself,” he said. “They helped me create a legacy at UNCW which I hope will inspire others to be able to do the same.”

Off the field, Shannon majored in business analytics and served on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) where student athletes serve as liaisons between players and the Department of Athletics to ensure athletes’ needs are heard.

Shannon’s years at UNCW, marked by consistency and determination, culminated in the fulfillment of his lifelong dream: signing with Major League Soccer NEXT Pro team New England Revolution II.

“I had been working for that moment ever since I was 4 years old,” Shannon said. “To finally sign was a dream come true.”

The star player is now ready to bring the same dedication and drive he displayed at UNCW into his professional career.

“I hope UNCW fans remember me as a kind person who gave everything I had to the program and someone who represented the university in the right way,” said Shannon. “In my first year as a pro, the biggest thing for me is trying to be the best teammate I can be.”

Looking ahead, the star player is taking the life lessons he learned growing up — determination, resilience and a commitment to continuous growth.

“Never stop believing in yourself. My eighth grade year I was playing on the fifth team at my club and my 11th grade year I got told that I should look to play Division III soccer,” said Shannon. “I kept believing in myself and working hard, and my dreams came true. I went on to become captain at UNCW, a D-I school, signed my first professional contract, and I just recently made my professional debut.”