"Chattanooga Mocs women's basketball is getting a star. Â After coaching against Shawn Poppie when he was player, I have followed his career closely. Â Shawn has developed into one of the brightest young minds in the coaching profession. Â After working under the tutelage one of the best in the business in Kenny Brooks at Virginia Tech, Shawn has the complete skill set needed to succeed in regards to player relations and development, recruiting, and as a tactician. Mocs basketball fans should be very excited."
- Mack McCarthy, former head coach Chattanooga Men's Basketball
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"Hard working, driven, smart and a wonderful hire. I've watched Shawn develop into an incredible coach who deserves this opportunity to run his own program. His style of play will be fun and exciting for fans. Buckle Up!
- Debbie Antonelli, National Basketball Analyst
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"I am very excited for Shawn and this opportunity to lead such a storied program like Chattanooga. Shawn's been a very important piece to our success here at Virginia Tech and I'm confident he will have the same success at UTC. I'm forever indebted to him for helping me lift this program to heights never achieved before in the ACC and we will miss him."
- Kenny Brooks, Virginia Tech head coach
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"Coach Poppie's energy and love for the game is what separates him from other coaches. He's very consistent with showing you that he is dedicated to the game & wants to make sure you develop as a player and a person. He made me a great point guard and taught me how to see the game from a coach's standpoint — which made it easy for me to keep our team and organization together."
- Taja Cole, former Virginia Tech standout & WNBA player
