Fran Shields calling it a career after 43 years at Conn College
Apr. 25—During a distinguished 43-year career, Fran Shields has seemingly done just about every job involving the Connecticut College Department of Athletics except Zamboni driver.
He learned early on to avoid that position.
"They told me to never learn to drive the Zamboni," Shields said. "That's the one thing I didn't do in the rink because then you're getting up at 5 a.m."
Shields, whose roots are firmly planted in the college and surrounding communities, will officially retire on Friday.
Well, at least Shields' definition of retirement.
At an energetic 66 years old, he expects to remain active and involved in a variety of ways.
"It's been a great run," Shields said. "And I'm not going to stop running. I'll be a servant of this college forever. Love the place."
Shields is stepping down as Director of the Camel Athletics Network, which raises money and fosters a partnership between athletics and advancement on campus, to focus on his health. He's recovering from an infection related to a knee replacement.
Director of Athletics Mo White has known Shields for years, long before he hired her to be the assistant director of athletics for business operations in 2018. She eventually replaced Shields as AD in 2019.
"I'm excited for him," White said. "Richly deserved after all his incredible years of service. It's nights and weekends and it's non-stop. He's deserving of a few good rounds of golf and some much needed family time. ... It's an amazing tenure when you look at how long he's been at one institution."
A native of Geneva, N.Y., Shields seemed destined for a life in athletics after growing up around sports.
His father, Frank, coached lacrosse and football. Fran served as the ball boy for Hobart College lacrosse. He earned All-American status in lacrosse at Geneva High School and St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. They are the only father-son duo to be inducted into the St. Lawrence Athletic Hall of Fame.
Shields learned about a job opening at Conn College from his father. He traveled to New London to meet with athletic director Charlie Luce in the fall of 1980.
Luce, who would become a good friend and valuable mentor, hired Shields to be men's lacrosse head coach and head athletic trainer.
"I owe him my life," Shields said. "He took a chance on me as a 23-year-old head coach. ... He offered me the job right outside Mr. G's."
His successful career evolved from there.
He held a number of positions, including men's assistant hockey coach, women's soccer head coach and director of intramurals. He spent a lot of time in Dayton Arena, doing everything from sharpening skates to helping out head coach Doug Roberts.
"It was like the old Life cereal commercial — Give it to Mikey, he'll eat it. Give it to Fran, he'll do it," Shields said.
In 23 seasons in charge of men's lacrosse, Shields guided the Camels to a 170-138 record, nine straight postseason appearances during one impressive stretch and four top 20 national rankings. Conn won the ECAC New England Division III championship in 1996.
He's proud of the relationships that he built with his players over the years. In March, 40 former Camels showed up for a celebration honoring the 1993 team that finished No. 15 in the country. Shields was named the Division III National Coach of the Year.
"That was amazing," Shields said. "It was really heartfelt and overwhelming."
In 2003, Shields left the sidelines and took over as the director of athletics.
During his 16-year tenure, the college's athletic facilities underwent $16 million in improvements, including adding an artificial turf field, a new fitness center and renovation of the athletic center. The Camels became more competitive in the New England Small College Athletic Conference.
Shields also helped increase opportunities and strengthen ties with the college community and beyond, giving local high school and youth sports access to the college's facilities.
Volunteering has always been important to Shields, who co-founded the East Lyme youth lacrosse program in 2000, just one of his many contributions.
Don't expect Shields, who lives in East Lyme, to move to Florida and spend retirement with his feet up.
Sure, he'll play some golf and visit family.
Shields will continue to be a volunteer assistant on men's lacrosse coach Jim Nagle's staff until "they wheel me out."
"That has meant so much to me," Shields said. "I had been behind a desk for 20 years since I last coached in 2003. To hear student-athletes call me Coach Shields, you can put on the headstone, Coach Shields."
Nagle considers Shields the founding father of the program.
"He's been a huge help on the field but also connecting the current team with the history of the program and alumni," Nagle said. "He's been a huge asset for us. I had known him from back when he was the coach here through the coaching network. So we had a friendship and relationship previously.
"Any time you can get a guy with all that lacrosse knowledge and experience back in the program, it's going to benefit you."
Shields plans to serve as a goodwill ambassador for Conn athletics and help the advancement office with fundraising. He's played a major role in securing some major gifts.
Strong relationships established during his career won't go away on April 28 just because he's retiring.
He'll always be a part of the Conn College family.
"I'm not going anywhere," Shields said. "I'm going to be around. I'm certainly willing to help in athletics. For right now, I need to just retire, get my affairs in order and take care of myself first."
