CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton Athletic Department announced the retirement of its longtime head baseball coach, Ted Shipley, on Tuesday, marking a well-decorated 25-year career with the Spartans.   

Shipley took over the team during the 2000–01 academic year and built it into one of the top programs in the region. He finishes his career with a record of 558-427-1, including eight conference championships and eight NCAA Tournament appearances. His 2017 team won a program-best 34 games and led the nation in earned run average. Shipley was also named North Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year seven times.  

During Shipley's time in the NAC, 15 student-athletes earned Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, or Rookie of the Year honors. 

In addition to baseball, Shipley served as Castleton's head men's basketball coach from 2001–2009, earning 84 wins during that time.  

"Ted has been a cornerstone of Castleton baseball for more than two decades," said Director of Athletics Tim Barrett. "His impact goes far beyond wins and losses. He's shaped countless lives and built a legacy that will be felt for years to come. We thank him for everything he's given to our student-athletes and this community."  

Shipley graduated from VTSU Lyndon, formerly Lyndon State College, in 1986, where he competed in baseball, cross country, and Nordic skiing. He was named the college's Athlete of the Year in 1985 and was inducted into the Vermont State Lyndon Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. He later earned his master's degree in kinesiology from the University of New Hampshire.  

Known for his commitment to sportsmanship and community service, Shipley encouraged his players to give back through volunteering with youth, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.  

"It's been an incredibly challenging journey, and building the Castleton baseball program was always the number one goal.  It's truly been my pleasure to have worked with so many excellent coaches (on our baseball staff and in our athletic department), and I am forever grateful for their help and support," said Ted Shipley. "I am also proud of what we have accomplished over the past twenty-five years, and even more proud of all the young men who made those sacrifices for the program and have become better men."