DeSales University Athletics

Shirley served as the Director of Athletics and Head Women's Basketball Coach from 1981-89.  He garnered a 148-73 (.670) winning percentage in his eight years as the women's basketball coach and was the first coach to guide a DeSales team to the NCAA Tournament when his women's basketball team advanced to the "Big Dance" in 1988-89.  Overall he won 20+ games six times, was named NAIA District 19 Coach of the Year four times, and was honored as the National Coach of the Year in 1986-87.