ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis University head women's soccer coach Katie Shields has announced the hiring of former Billiken standout defender Brionna Halverson as an assistant coach.
 
"It brings me a tremendous amount of joy and gratitude to announce Brionna Halverson as our new assistant coach," Shields said. "During her six years as a student-athlete in our program, Bri was a driving force who elevated our environment to a championship culture and pushed our program onto the national stage. She lives our program's culture and values and will be an incredible mentor for the women in our program. Bri's positive personality is infectious, and her ability to connect and inspire others is exceptional. 
 
"Since graduating from our program, Bri has gained valuable experience as a youth coach," Shields said. "She has built outstanding relationships in the community that will help her hit the ground running in our recruiting efforts and further our pursuit of championships this fall. I look forward to seeing her impact continue to grow in our program and in the St. Louis soccer community. Bri is one of the brightest young coaches in the country."

Halverson concluded a six-year Saint Louis playing career second on the Billikens' all-time lists in games played (101) and games started (100). In her final season (2022), she was named A-10 Defensive Player of the Year, earned first-team All-Conference and A-10 Championship All-Tournament honors for a third consecutive year, and was a key component in SLU's school-record 15 shutouts and 0.45 goals against average that ranked third in the nation.
 
Halverson, who garnered second-team All-Conference plaudits in 2019, is one of only nine players in program history with four All-Conference honors. She was a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region performer (first team 2020, third team 2021) and was selected to the Billikens' 25th Anniversary Team. Saint Louis posted a 98-23-7 (.793) record, captured five A-10 tournament titles and four A-10 regular-season crowns, and played in five NCAA Tournaments during Halverson's career.

Halverson earned a bachelor's degree in public health and a post-baccalaureate certificate in organizational leadership from SLU.