RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University Athletics has added three new assistant coaches to its staff ahead of the 2025–26 seasons. Kieron Williams joins the men's soccer program, and Matt Polak will serve as an Assistant Coach for baseball, working as the program's Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. Most recently, Drew Shaw will join the men's basketball staff as assistant coach.
Kieron Williams – Men's Soccer
Williams returns to Raleigh after a standout collegiate playing career with the Pacers from 2018–22. Over five seasons, he appeared in 64 games with 30 starts, tallying two assists and nearly 3,000 minutes on the field. Williams brought consistency and adaptability to the Pacers, serving as a dependable presence over multiple seasons.
A Jacksonville, N.C., native, Williams brings familiarity with the program's culture and a strong understanding of what it takes to compete in the USA South Conference.
"We're very excited to have Kieron rejoin us, no stranger to the program having played 64 matches for the Pacers." Head Coach Ryan Huber said. "Keiron already knows how we do things which will help with a smooth transition. Kieron's high energy and positive personality make him a perfect fit for our staff."
Matt Polak – Baseball
Polak joins the Pacers after serving as Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at St. Andrews University for the past two seasons. A 2017 graduate of St. Andrews, he was a versatile four-year player for the Knights, posting a .305 batting average and a .430 on-base percentage his senior year.
His playing career includes stints in the Tidewater Summer League (Virginia Beach), Valley League (northern Virginia), and South Florida Winter League, competing against semi-professional and professional talent. On the coaching side, Polak has guided summer collegiate programs including the Greenbrier Knights, helping them capture the 2020 Tidewater Collegiate Summer League championship. He also served as Head Coach for the Tri-State Arsenal South 2022 elite showcase team.
A native of Smithfield, Va., Polak will serve as the Pacers' Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.
"We are excited to have Coach Polak join our program." Head Coach Charlie Long said. "He brings a wealth of baseball knowledge that should lead to incredible development for our players. He is a humble and dedicated individual who will lead by example on and off the field."
Drew Shaw – Men's Basketball
Shaw comes to Raleigh after spending the 2024–25 season as the head assistant coach at Penn State Harrisburg, where he helped guide the Lions to an 18–9 record overall.
Prior to Penn State Harrisburg, Shaw served three seasons as a student assistant coach at Guilford College, his alma mater. During his time with the Quakers, the program earned three straight winning seasons, including a 26-win campaign and a trip to the 2024 NCAA Division III Final Four. Shaw also helped Guilford reach the ODAC Championship Game in 2023.
A native of Dallas, N.C., Shaw was a four-sport athlete at North Gaston High School, earning all-conference honors in basketball and tennis while also lettering in baseball and cross country. He will contribute to all areas of the Pacer men's basketball program, including recruiting, player development, scouting, and game-day preparation.
"We are excited to welcome Coach Shaw to 15 E Peace Street." Head Coach Claude Shields said. "He has a bright basketball mind and has learned under some legendary coaches thus far. He will be a tremendous asset in helping our student-athletes reach their potential in the classroom and on the court."
The Pacers look forward to the impact Williams, Polak, and Shaw will bring to their respective programs as the 2025–26 seasons get underway.
