Loyola Hall of Fame Volleyball Coach Returns to Campus

Loyola Athletics announced the signing of returning men’s volleyball head coach Shane Davis Nov. 2. 

Davis joined the Ramblers after the sudden announcement on Oct. 11  former head coach John Hawks would return to UCLA as their head coach for the upcoming season. 

In his return to Loyola, Davis brings with him significant Rambler history. He was not only a men’s volleyball student-athlete from 2000 to 2003, but also served as head coach from 2004 to 2015. 

During his time as head coach, Davis led the team to three consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances between 2013 and 2015, with back-to-back national titles in 2014 and 2015. 

In a Loyola Athletics press release, Davis shared his sentiment for the men’s volleyball program and his return. 

“I am deeply honored to return to Loyola as head coach of the men’s volleyball program — a program that has shaped my life and career in extraordinary ways,” Davis said. 

Davis made his mark during his time as a student-athlete. In his first-season, he recorded 1528 assists — the third highest in program history — and was named Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Freshman of the Year and Third Team All-MIVA. 

Davis was named to the First Team All-MIVA for the next three seasons and was selected for the Second Team All-America in 2003. 

By the time he graduated, Davis had set the program record for career assists, secured second place in school history for career digs and was named Loyola’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2003. 

The following year, Davis joined the men’s volleyball staff as head coach. For the next 12 seasons, Davis produced 43 All-MIVA picks, four of whom were also named MIVA Player of the Year, and 12 All-Americans’ including two bronze medalists. 

During his tenure, Davis was also awarded the MIVA Coach of the Year four times and the 2014 AVCA Coach of the Year.

For his efforts and successes as head coach, Davis became the first men’s volleyball student-athlete or coach to be inducted into the Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.  

After departing Loyola, Davis served as head coach of the Northwestern women’s volleyball team from 2016-2024, and led several nationally-ranked recruiting classes.

In his first two seasons at Northwestern, the recruiting classes ranked 22nd and 18th, with the 2017 season team recording the best hitting percentage in program history. 

With the 2025 spring season approaching, Davis said he can’t wait to reconnect with athletes, alumni and the community at Loyola — a place that has always been home for him. 

This season marks Davis’ 21st season as a head coach and his 13th with Loyola. Davis has the most successful record in program history. 

Davis said he’s fired up to “begin a new era of Ramber volleyball” with a foundation in place, and is ready to take the team to a position for a championship once again. 

Athletic Director Steve Watson said he is excited to welcome Davis back. 

“We’re super excited to have Shane back in the Maroon and Gold,” Watson said. “Shane led the Ramblers to national championships in 2014 and 2015, and we look forward to watching him take our program back to national prominence.” 

After preseason ends Nov. 16, Davis and the Ramblers officially get their season underway in early January, with the schedule to be released.