ABOUT

COACH ROBERT LEE SHAW SR.

HIGHER EDUCATION & CAREER

After high school, Shaw continued his education and athletic career at Wiley College, where he played football under Coach Fred Long. In 1965, he pursued basketball at the Universidad de las Americas Puebla (UDLAP) in Pueblo, Mexico, playing for the Aztecas Basketball Team under Coach Morris “Moe” Williams.

Shaw furthered his education at Prairie View A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1971 and a Master’s in Administration in 1973. He began his career in education at the Houston Independent School District, teaching and coaching at Cullen Junior High School, Jack Yates Senior High School, Phillis Wheatley High School, and Ross Shaw Sterling High School, now known as Sterling Aviation Early College High School.

PERSONAL LIFE

Shaw married Queen Ester Vaults Shaw on December 17, 1977, and they were blessed with two children, Robin Antoinette Shaw Johnson and Robert Lee Shaw Jr. He was known as a loving husband and dedicated father. Shaw had a deep passion for music, owning an extensive vinyl collection. He would often record songs on cassette tapes for friends and family.

As a husband, Shaw demonstrated his unwavering love and devotion to Queen through thoughtful gestures, such as surprising her with a Luther Vandross concert. He was attentive to her desires, always striving to create special memories together. Shaw's dedication to his family extended to his role as a father. He cherished every moment with Robin and Robert, creating a warm and nurturing environment for them. Shaw shared his love for music with his children, using lyrics to impart valuable life lessons to them.

LEAVING A LEGACY

Shaw's impact was most deeply felt at Sterling High School, where he served as a teacher, coach, father figure, and friend for nine years. He was known for his dedication, only missing one day of work during his time at Sterling, and for his commitment to his students, whom he treated like family.

Shaw passed away on October 16, 1992, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in education and athletics. His impact on his students, colleagues, and community was profound, and he is remembered fondly for his dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Prior to his passing, the staff and Athletic Department of Ross Shaw Sterling High School initiated a JV Boys Basketball Tournament in 1991, which was later named in his honor as the Robert Lee Shaw Sr. Holiday Classic JV Boys Basketball Tournament. In 2013, the tournament was renamed the 8Before24 JV Boys Basketball Tournament, and the 8Before24 Robert Lee Shaw Sr. Foundation was established in his memory.

The 8Before24 JV Boys Basketball Tournament and the 8Before24 Robert Lee Shaw Sr. Foundation continue to honor Coach Shaw's legacy, reaching thousands of young men in Houston and surrounding areas.

EARLY CHILDHOOD & EDUCATION

The late Coach Robert Lee Shaw Sr. was born on October 24, 1945, in Houston, Texas. He attended Atherton Elementary, E.O. Smith Junior High School, and graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1964. At Wheatley, he excelled in both sports and academics, serving as the captain of the football team, a forward on the undefeated basketball team, and the vice president of his senior class.

COMMUNITY & PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Shaw was a dedicated member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and was involved in various professional organizations, including the Texas State Teachers Association, Texas High School Coaches Association, Prairie View A&M Alumni Association (Houston Chapter), and Phillis Wheatley Alumni Association. In 2016, Shaw was posthumously inducted into the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association (PVILCA) as a lifetime member.