Quinnipiac University Director of Athletics and Recreation Jack McDonald and the men and women's soccer program's announced the hiring of Neil Shaka Hislop as an assistant coach for the 2009 season.
A graduate of Howard University, Hislop was inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame in 2005, becoming just the fifth soccer player in history to receive the honor. Most recently, he served as a soccer commentator and analyst for ESPN International in 2008.
During the 2007 season, Hislop was a player as well as serving as a goalkeeper coach with FC Dallas of the MLS. In 2006, he became a member of the National Soccer Coaches of America Association (NSCAA) and the National Black Soccer Coaches Committee (NSBCC). After becoming a member of the NSCAA, Hislop earned his Advanced National Diploma from the organization. He also holds an English FA Goalkeeper’s ‘B’ License and a UEFA ‘B’ License.
Hislop’s playing career included seven years (1999-2006) with the Trinidad and Tobago National Team. During that time, he made 24 appearances, including five as a captain and was a member of the team that played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Along with FC Dallas, he played professionally with West Ham United FC (1998-2002 and 2005-06), Portsmouth FC (2002-05), Newcastle United FC (1995-98) and Reading FC (1992-95). He was named the Player of the Year and First Division Goalkeeper of the Year in 1995 with Reading before being transferred to Newcastle, for a then record £1.5 million, following the season.
Along with being a member of Howard’s athletic hall of fame, Hislop was inducted into the Trinidad and Tobago Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. He received the Alexander B. Chapman Award in 2007 from the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee for outstanding contribution to sport and the promotion of Olympic ideals. Hislop also received the Chaconia Medal in 2006; the second highest national award for Trinidad and Tobago. He is a member of the Professional Footballer’s Association’s Roll of Honor, joining Pele with the distinction as the only two non-British members.
“Shaka’s addition to our staff is yet another validation of our program,” said men's soccer Head Coach Da Costa. “He is one of the most respected and recognized goalkeepers in the world, his experience will be invaluable to me, our players and our University. Freddy Hall (St. George, Bermuda) was statistically the best keeper in the nation in 2007. I am confident that Shaka will be able to get him back to that form. We are lucky to have someone of Shaka’s caliber here as he will be a welcome compliment to my already exceptional staff.”
“Shaka will bring a level of professionalism, substantial college, club and national team experience and a high profile to the program that will benefit both men's and women's soccer,” Said women’s soccer Head Coach Dave Clarke. “The chance to watch Shaka train, to be trained by Shaka and to listen to his experiences at all levels of the game will be of immense benefit to our goaltender, Jillian Kelly (Simsbury, Conn.). I am looking forward to working with Shaka and picking his brain to further my own coaching education. I played against him in college; I have watched him play at club and international level and excited to now have him on my staff.”