Hall of Fame
Soccer and coaching have remained apart of 1994 Saint Benedict graduate Sharon Ann Welle Swallen’s life long after her days playing for the Blazers.
“Coaches, like players, have the ability to make a difference on the field and off,” Welle Swallen said. “I have chosen to stay involved in sports as a coach for this reason.”
Welle Swallen graduated with a degree in elementary education and coaching and participated on the Blazer soccer team for four years.
As a first-year, in 1990 she was a NCAA Final Four team member, and also was an All-MIAC honorable mention.
In 1991 she helped lead Saint Benedict to a MIAC championship. Welle Swallen received All-MIAC honors in 1991, 1992 and 1993.
Welle Swallen was named team captain her senior year and was selected to the All-Central Region team.
She ranks first in career points (131) and career goals (49), second in career assists (33) and tied for second in goals scored in a season with 15.
Welle Swallen’s fondest recollection of CSB sports was her first-year in 1990.
“I met two of my best friends for life as we competed for playing time, and to be the best,” Welle Swallen said. “That same competitive fire ran throughout the team on the field, and yet we became ‘crazy’ best friends off it.”
Laure Kosey, who coached Welle Swallen during her senior season said she was impressed with Welle Swallen’s ability to lead and stay dedicated to the team.
“Coaching Sharon her senior year in soccer, she stepped right in as a leader,” Kosey said. “She was a key player with her goal scoring talent on the field and her commitment as a student-athlete off the field.
“Her dedication and determination helped build the foundation of success the Blazer soccer team enjoys today.”
After college Welle Swallen competed on the Region II women’s soccer team at the 1996 Olympic Festival. That fall she began her coaching career serving as an assistant coach at Totino-Grace High School. In 1997 she served as an assistant coach for St. Paul Academy and then moved on to assist at Mounds View from 1998-1999. Welle Swallen received MSHSL Assistant Coach of the State honors in 1998.
Welle Swallen currently serves as the head coach of the Mounds View girls soccer team and has guided the Mustangs to five Section 5A championships (2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007). She received section 5AA Head Coach of the Year honors in 2001.
Welle Swallen is married to John Swallen and they have four children.
