Shen takes the helm of Bellevue Soccer programs

Bellevue College has hired Tao Shen to direct both the men's and women's soccer programs for 2011. Shen, a veteran in the NWAACC ranks, comes to Bellevue from Skagit Valley College, where he was the head coach for both men's and women's programs.

Before becoming as the head coach at SVC, he was an assistant coach at Whatcom CC from '07-'09 and at Tacoma CC in '06.

Shen played his collegiate soccer at Concordia University in Portland, OR He also played one year at Spokane CC and helped the team with a 3rd place finish in 2005. Coach Shen played semi-professionally with the Yakima Reds (PDL) and Las Vegas Strikers (MPSL).

Shen earned a doctoral degree in Pharmacy from Washington State University and currently works as a pharmacist at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, WA.

Shen replaces Sasha Shefts who stepped down after one season citing personal reasons for his departure. Shefts guided both teams to the playoffs including a region championship and a final four appearance for the women's team.