Gavin Shippen Assumes Leadership of Sedona Boys Soccer Team

Gavin Shippen has stepped into the role of head coach for the boys’ varsity soccer team at Sedona Red Rock High School, following the retirement of longtime coach Sam Blom. Under Blom’s leadership, the Scorpions achieved notable success, clinching second place in the state finals in 2022. The team kicked off their season with their first official practice on August 6.

“I was there during [Shippen’s] first interview,” Blom shared. “He’s very excited about his new assignment. The timing was perfect as he was moving to the area while we were searching for a new coach. He truly sees this as a dream job and is eager to begin.” Shippen’s enthusiasm for soccer is evident, marked by his belief that the sport’s influence extends beyond school.

“Soccer doesn’t stop here [at school],” he noted. “Players engage with the game throughout their lives, whether for money or to maintain physical and mental health. Personally, soccer has played a significant role in my wellness journey.” Shippen’s connection to the sport runs deep, rooted in family tradition. He graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson in 2009, where soccer was a prominent part of his life.

Shippen’s love for soccer is hereditary. His grandfather, Edward Shippen, founded Yuma United, the town’s first soccer club. His father and uncle were both competitive players during the 1970s and 1980s, guided by Edward’s coaching. Shippen’s journey also led him to New York City, where he met his fiancée, Delphine Jeong, in 2016. They later settled in Sedona, seeking a community and environment that better suit their lifestyle.

“The Phoenix heat wasn’t for me, and I wanted a tighter-knit community,” Shippen explained regarding his move. He reached out to Sedona Red Rock High School, inquiring about coaching opportunities just before receiving the head coach position on January 26.

Passion for soccer drives Shippen’s approach. “Coaching high school boys’ soccer has always been a dream of mine. High school soccer fosters an unparalleled camaraderie among players who share daily experiences outside of the game,” he elaborated. Prior to coaching, Shippen earned a double degree in business and botany from the University of Arizona and worked with the Bureau of Land Management.

His experience includes contributing to international soccer journalism, where he covered major tournaments like the Copa América and conducted interviews with prominent players and coaches. This season, Shippen plans to emphasize ball control, passing, and possession on the field. “The teams leading the league typically control possession. The more you have the ball, the better your chances of winning,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Shippen anticipates challenges such as rebuilding the team after a significant graduating class left only six players returning out of approximately 20. He also aims to promote academic achievement alongside athletics and address the language barriers within the team.

While Blom had previously served as the middle school soccer coach, the district has yet to confirm whether Shippen will undertake the same role. “I’m hoping to have someone closely connected to the middle school team to maintain a bridge between both levels,” he said, proposing a mentoring relationship where senior players assist younger athletes.

The Scorpions will play their season home opener against Madison Highland on September 3, with free admission for fans. Shippen’s leadership promises an exciting season for Sedona Red Rock High School soccer.