Mary Shimko, Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Brandeis University
In June of 2020, Mary Shimko ’14 became just the second head coach in Brandeis women’s soccer history. In her first season on the field, Shimko led Brandeis to a national ranking during the 2021 season. The Judges returned to the NCAA Division III tournament, reaching the second round with a come-from-behind victory over Farmingdale State in the opening round. Brandeis was ranked 21st in the final United Soccer Coaches national poll and 24th in the final D3Soccer.com poll. Juliette Carreiro ’22 earned All-America honors on the field from the United Soccer Coaches, and in the classroom from CoSIDA as an Academic All-American. Shimko was a four-year starter for the Judges at midfield, serving as a captain as a junior and senior. She helped the Judges to three postseason appearances, including a trip to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament in 2012 – at the time the best post-season performance in school history. Shimko was a three-time Academic All-UAA selection was the recipient of the James McCully ’86 Award, which is presented to seniors who best exemplify the character, dedication, and good sportsmanship that were exhibited by inaugural Brandeis Hall of Famer McCully. Shimko graduated from Brandeis in 2014 with a B.A. in business and received her M.S. in exercise and sport sciences from Smith in 2016.
Luke Rothero, New England Surf Regional Director
Luke is a director for New England Surf Soccer Club. He also served as an assistant for the Judges in their 2022 and 2023 campaign. In the 2023 campaign, Luke helped lead the Judges to undefeated regional schedule. Luke has also served as a director of coaching for Natick Soccer Club for 6 years – GPS MA Elite Girls program head coach for 6 years – Head Coach Wycombe Wonderers (UK) Elite Development Center
