KALAMAZOO, Mich.: After 13 seasons at the helm of the Western Michigan University women's basketball program, head coach Shane Clipfell has announced his retirement from WMU. A dedicated leader and mentor, Clipfell leaves a lasting legacy as the program's all-time winningest coach, amassing 184 victories with the Brown & Gold.

Coach Clipfell, announced as the sixth head coach in program history on April 13, 2012, revitalized the Broncos with his unwavering commitment to player development both on and off the court. His dedication to competitive excellence and fostering a strong culture of support for women's basketball has left an indelible mark on the program and the student-athletes he has coached.

Under Clipfell's guidance, the Broncos had six winning seasons, including a 20-win campaign in 2014-15 and an 18-win season in 2019-20.

Throughout his tenure, Clipfell coached 17 All-MAC selections, four All-MAC Defensive Team honorees, three All-MAC Freshman Team recipients, and five 1,000-point scorers, including Hannah Spitzley from the 2024-25 squad. His commitment to academic excellence was evident, with 50 student-athletes earning Academic All-MAC honors, including Academic All-American Lauren Ross.

Beyond wins and accolades, Clipfell was instrumental in growing the culture and support surrounding WMU women's basketball. His advocacy and leadership played a crucial role in securing funding for the program's $1.3 million locker room renovation, which was completed in November 2023, further enhancing the student-athlete experience.  He has also served as a resource in the design and development of the Athletic Performance and Kalamazoo Events Center -  the future training and competition home of the WMU Women's Basketball program - which broke ground in November of 2024.

"It has been a great pleasure to have had the chance to work with Coach Clipfell," said Vice President/Director of Athletics, Dan Bartholomae.  "He and Connie have been a trusted resource and support during my first few years as Athletic Director.  He led WMU to new heights and retires as our all-time winningest coach.  Thanks to the culture in his program, the young women he brought to WMU were not only fantastic athletes, but nationally recognized scholar-athletes and great assets to the Kalamazoo community.  He will be missed, and we wish him well in this next step.  He and his family will always have a home here in Bronco Nation."

A national search for the next head coach of WMU women's basketball will begin immediately.

Statement from Coach Clipfell

Where to begin…

Since the press conference on April 13, 2012, Kalamazoo and Western Michigan University have been our home, and the Women's Basketball program has been our passion for both Connie and me. Coaching here has been a dream come true for a kid with little idea of where life would ultimately take him. I never could have imagined how far the sport of basketball would take me or how much it would teach me over the next several decades.

Every university and athletic department is made up of bricks and mortar, but it's the people who truly make it what it is. Western Michigan wins in every category. From the very beginning, so many people welcomed us and supported us through our time here. I've been fortunate to work under just two university presidents—Dr. John Dunn and Dr. Edward Montgomery—both incredible leaders in their own right. Dr. Dunn, your passion for athletics was always on display, whether on press row or in your unwavering support of our teams. Dr. Montgomery, I'll never forget you leading our riders on the Let's Ride motorcycle fundraiser—you lead like you ride, fearless and always at the front.

To Kathy Beauregard and Dave Corstange—thank you for taking a chance on me and bringing me to WMU. And to Dan Bartholomae, our current Director of Athletics, your leadership and vision have pushed Bronco Athletics to new heights. I am grateful for your belief in me and for all you have done for our student-athletes. My sport supervisors—Dave Corstange, the late Dennis Corbin, and my current supervisor, Keanah Smith—I simply can't thank you enough for your guidance and support.

Our booster clubs and supporters have been nothing short of amazing. Because of their generosity and dedication, we've had opportunities that most programs can only dream of. Together, we've traveled across the country and around the world—New York, Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, France, Greece, Portugal, and beyond. The experiences we've shared as a team have been life-changing: standing atop the Eiffel Tower overlooking Paris, taking Tuk Tuk tours through Lisbon, standing in solemn silence on Omaha Beach, watching a sunset over the Acropolis in Athens, and even sailing on the Tagus River surrounded by jellyfish the size of basketballs. And here at home, thanks to Dan's vision and the unwavering support of our boosters, we now have the best locker room in the MAC—something I know our student-athletes will enjoy for years to come.

The most important thank you, without question, goes to the incredible young women I've had the privilege to coach over these past 13 seasons. You came here with your own dreams (Declare Your Dreams), put a plan in place, and worked tirelessly to achieve them. The lessons you've learned through basketball—discipline, perseverance, teamwork—will serve you well far beyond the court (P4). I will forever cherish the relationships built and the moments shared with each of you.

To my coaching staffs—past and present—you have played a critical role in shaping this program into something I will always be proud of. Thank you for your passion, your hard work, and your commitment to our student-athletes. To my fellow Bronco coaches and the entire athletic department, it has been an honor to stand beside you. Fight on, Fight on for Western!

To our Bronco fans—you have embraced us, supported us, and cheered for us through every high and low. Thank you for your passion and for making WMU such a special place.

To our close friends who have become like family and to our loved ones who have supported us from near and far—your unwavering love and encouragement have meant the world to us. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

I have had my hand in a huddle for as long as I can remember—first as a student-athlete, then as a coach. The rewards have been plentiful, but the sacrifices have been, too. To my family—Connie, our kids John, Lauren & Ben, and our grandchildren Taylor, Mila, and Bentley—thank you for sharing this journey with me. Your love and support have meant everything.

It has been an incredible ride, and now the time is right for Connie and me to look at life through a different lens. It is with immense pride and gratitude that I am announcing my retirement from WMU. As we close this chapter, we look forward with optimism to whatever comes next.

Thank you, Western Michigan. Forever a Bronco.