Team Member

Coach Shawn Chen brings a teacher’s mindset and a commitment to developing knowledgeable, dependable teammates. His flag football experience includes serving as assistant coach and defensive coordinator at Piedmont Hills High School, coaching with High Intensity Bay Area, and leading Independence High School’s flag football program as head coach. He has also coached in the GSF Flag Football All-Star Game and worked with Independence’s track and field throwers.

A high school social studies teacher, Shawn considers himself a teacher first. His approach goes beyond teaching assignments: he wants athletes to understand what they are doing, why it matters, and how to recognize and respond to situations themselves. He creates space for players to ask questions, make mistakes, and build confidence through learning.

Shawn loves the movement, creativity, strategy, and skill that flag football brings to the forefront. He values the opportunities the sport creates for female athletes, along with the positive energy and camaraderie that come from competing for one another.

At tryouts, he looks for coachability, a desire to grow, and a commitment to team culture. Beyond athletic ability, he values players who listen, apply feedback, challenge themselves, and support those around them. His goal is to develop dependable teammates who show up, communicate, and understand that everyone contributes.

Athletes can expect structured, purposeful practices grounded in his belief: “Practice how you play, and play how you practice.” Through skill development, game situations, and film study, players will strengthen their technique and football IQ. Shawn also encourages versatility, preparing athletes to step into different roles wherever the team needs them.

For Shawn, “Above all, we play for each other” means sharing the highs and lows, lifting up a teammate after a tough play, and celebrating success together. His teams often break with “Together on me” or “Family on me”—words that reflect the connection he wants athletes to build.

This season, Shawn is excited to collaborate with fellow coaches and work with athletes who want to learn, put in the effort, and grow together. Most of all, he looks forward to seeing how each player’s progress strengthens the entire team.