Sheila Weaver was hired as the University of the District of Columbia head women’s volleyball coach in August, 2009. Entering her third season at the helm in 2012, Weaver has revitalized the program, and has the team headed in the right direction now as a member of the East Coast Conference.

Weaver had just six weeks to put a team on the court before the Fall 2009 season, and inherited a team that was 4-11 the previous season. Consequently, the team battled through a 3-9 record in Weaver's first season. However, Weaver guided the Firebirds to one of the greatest turnarounds in Division II (17-win improvement) as UDC went 20-8 in 2010. 

The 2011 campaign saw the Firebirds win three of their first four matches before falling in eight of their next nine. The team suffered countless injuries to pivotal players as their record slipped to 11-22. UDC earned two in-conference wins over Queens and Mercy in what was its first season as a member of the East Coast Conference. Seven of the nine players on that roster are back next season, including Vanessa Garley, who led the team in 2011 with 304 kills.

Weaver came to UDC with over 20 years of experience in athletics. She began her coaching career at The State University of New York (Binghamton), where she coached both volleyball and basketball. Sheila also served as Coordinator of Women's Athletics at Union College in Schenectady, New York.

A former Washington Post Coach of the Year, Weaver has been featured on the cover of the American Volleyball Coaches Magazine and was recognized as Private School Coach of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation for her outstanding coaching performance at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC.

During her tenure at Sidwell, her program was ranked by USA Today among the top-25 teams in the nation. Her daughter, Cheryl, a former All-Metropolitan standout in volleyball and basketball, was a college All-American in volleyball and is currently a member of the U.S. National Team.

Sheila was the founder of The Academic and Athletic Alliance of Washington, DC and Shelovessports.com.

Coach Weaver received her B.S. in Health and Physical Education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and earned her M.A., also in Health and Physical Education, from Kent State University (Ohio).

"Coach Weaver is a well-respected leader in women's athletics, nationally,” said Director of Athletics, Patricia Thomas. “She has coached numerous NCAA Division I level volleyball student-athletes. I am confident that the Firebird program will grow into a powerhouse under her guidance."

Upon her hiring, Weaver said:

"I am excited to be part of UDC's renewed commitment to student-athlete excellence in the classroom, the court and on the playing field," said Weaver. “It is evident the University is moving in a positive direction, and I look forward to the challenges ahead."