PHILADELPHIA – University of Pennsylvania head women's basketball coach Mike McLaughlin announced the addition of Liam Shanahan to the team's coaching staff Thursday afternoon.

"We are thrilled to bring Liam into the Penn women's basketball family. His time at Indiana gave him a strong foundation—learning the ropes and competing in the Big Ten provided invaluable experience that he brings to our program," McLaughlin said. "His skill set, passion, and understanding of the game will immediately raise our standard. Just as importantly, he is invested in the growth of our players and eager to support and mentor them. Our student-athletes are going to thrive under his energy and leadership, which will be paramount to the success of the program moving forward."

Prior to returning to his hometown, Shanahan served as a graduate assistant coach for the Indiana University women's basketball program under head coach Teri Moren, helping lead the Hoosiers to a Big Ten regular-season championship in 2023. Throughout his two seasons in Bloomington, he regularly coached the scout team, handled film breakdown, and conducted on-court skill development with student-athletes, including All-Americans Mackenzie Holmes and Grace Berger. Shanahan also assisted with basketball operations, organizing recruiting trips and team travel logistics. In May 2023, he obtained his master's degree in public affairs with a concentration in public management.

Shanahan's first stint in collegiate hoops came as the co-head manager for the University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team. Over three seasons, he was responsible for organizing practice plans, and managing transportation and equipment needs. Shanahan graduated from Pitt in the spring of 2021 with bachelor's degrees in economics and political science and a minor in American history.
 
"I am so grateful to Coach McLaughlin for giving me an opportunity to join this excellent staff. As a Philadelphia native, coaching at Penn and in the Palestra has always been a dream of mine," Shanahan said. "The last few years working in Penn Athletics has given me insight into the quality of athletes and people associated with this program, and I am beyond thrilled to be a part of its winning culture. I am ready to get to work and represent this city and prestigious university!"

A West Philadelphia native, Shanahan attended Masterman High School, where he scored 1,833 career points. He now resides in South Philadelphia.

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