Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Shaun Dolac is an American professional football player who plays as an inside linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 14, 2001, Dolac grew up in West Seneca, New York, and played college football at the University at Buffalo before joining the Rams in 2025.
Shaun Dolac’s family includes his fiancée, Nicole Stoklosa, his late father, John Dolac, his mother, Colleen Dolac, and six siblings. His publicly identified siblings include brothers John and Ian and sisters Bianca, Jessica and Deonna.
Family has played an important role in Dolac’s football journey, particularly following the death of his father from esophageal cancer in 2016. Despite the tragedy, Dolac continued pursuing his football ambitions with encouragement from his mother and siblings.
Shaun Dolac’s Girlfriend and Fiancée: Nicole Stoklosa
As of now, Shaun Dolac is engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Nicole Stoklosa, a registered nurse specializing in oncology care.
According to Sports Illustrated’s lifestyle coverage of the Los Angeles Rams, Dolac and Stoklosa became engaged in March 2026 while vacationing in Hawaii.
The couple had been dating for several years before their engagement. Their relationship became publicly documented through social media posts and sports media coverage.
Both are originally from West Seneca, New York, and attended West Seneca East Senior High School.
According to a July 2025 report published by EssentiallySports, Dolac publicly celebrated their relationship anniversary on July 13, 2022, indicating that the couple began dating around July 2021.
Nicole has frequently supported Dolac throughout his college football career and his transition to the NFL.
Who Is Nicole Stoklosa?
Nicole Stoklosa is Shaun Dolac’s fiancée and a healthcare professional from West Seneca, New York.
After graduating from West Seneca East Senior High School, she attended Daemen University in Amherst, New York.
She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and graduated on May 18, 2024, according to reporting published by EssentiallySports.
Nicole subsequently became a registered nurse specializing in oncology care.
Her professional background is particularly meaningful considering Dolac’s family history with cancer.
Before completing her nursing education, she volunteered at John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo between 2016 and 2019.
Nicole has also shared photographs and messages supporting Dolac during his football career.
In July 2025, Dolac celebrated Nicole’s birthday through a public Instagram post featuring photographs from their relationship.
According to Sports Illustrated, the couple continued their relationship after Dolac joined the Los Angeles Rams, with Nicole spending time in both Buffalo and Los Angeles.
Shaun Dolac and Nicole Stoklosa’s Engagement
Shaun Dolac and Nicole Stoklosa became engaged in March 2026 during a vacation in Hawaii.
The engagement was reported by Sports Illustrated in its profile of the wives, girlfriends and partners of Los Angeles Rams players.
The couple had been together for approximately four and a half years when they became engaged.
As of now, reliable public reporting has not confirmed a wedding date or established that the couple has married.
Shaun Dolac’s Children
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Shaun Dolac has children.
His official Los Angeles Rams player biography and available interviews do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Dolac’s engagement to Nicole Stoklosa is publicly documented, the couple has not made a widely reported announcement confirming the birth of a child.
His parental status therefore remains unconfirmed. It would be inaccurate to claim definitively that he has no children simply because no public announcement has been identified.
Shaun Dolac’s Parents
Shaun Dolac was born to John Dolac and Colleen Dolac, who raised their family in West Seneca, New York.
His parents were actively involved in their children’s education, athletics and community activities.
However, the family experienced significant hardship when John was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2015 and died the following year.
In an April 2025 interview with WKBW, Dolac and his mother discussed how the loss affected their family and strengthened their determination to support one another.
Shaun Dolac’s Father: John Dolac
John Dolac was Shaun Dolac’s father and one of the most influential figures in his athletic development.
He was involved in youth football coaching in West Seneca, New York, and encouraged his sons to participate in sports.
According to Spectrum News 1, John served as Shaun’s football coach during childhood and helped develop his passion for the sport.
He emphasized discipline, humility and determination, values that Shaun continued applying throughout his college and professional football careers.
In February 2015, John was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer.
According to a public family fundraiser organized in 2016, he underwent chemotherapy, radiation treatment and major surgery during his battle with the disease.
Despite receiving medical treatment, John died in 2016.
His death deeply affected Shaun, who was still attending West Seneca East High School at the time.
In a December 2024 interview with Sports Spectrum, Dolac discussed how losing his father influenced his Christian faith and personal outlook.
He explained that his father had been an important source of spiritual guidance, regularly encouraging the children to attend church.
Dolac also recalled an important lesson from his father: to remain humble and continue working regardless of the difficulties he encountered.
That message became a source of motivation throughout his football journey.
During an April 2025 interview with WKBW, Dolac reflected on how proud his father would have been to see him achieve his ambition of reaching the NFL.
Shaun Dolac’s Mother: Colleen Dolac
Colleen Dolac is Shaun Dolac’s mother and an important figure in his personal and athletic development.
She raised Shaun and his six siblings alongside her husband, John, in West Seneca, New York.
Before the family’s difficulties, Colleen worked in nursing and healthcare.
According to a public fundraiser established on behalf of the family in 2016, she had worked for approximately 17 years as a nurse with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office before losing her employment during the period of her husband’s illness.
John’s cancer diagnosis created significant financial and emotional pressure for the family.
After his death in 2016, Colleen faced the responsibility of supporting her children while coping with the loss of her husband.
In an April 2025 interview with WKBW, she recalled experiencing a difficult period of grief and unemployment.
She explained that the children had to become more independent as the family adjusted to life without their father.
Despite these circumstances, Colleen continued supporting Shaun’s education and football ambitions.
She witnessed his development from a high school athlete to a college football walk-on and eventually an All-American linebacker.
Her encouragement remained important when Shaun decided to pursue football instead of accepting a college lacrosse scholarship.
In 2025, Colleen expressed pride in her son’s achievements and the perseverance he demonstrated throughout his journey.
Shaun Dolac’s Siblings
Shaun Dolac has six siblings: four sisters and two brothers.
The number of his siblings is confirmed in Utah State University’s official 2024 football signing announcement and an April 2025 family interview published by WKBW.
His brothers are John Dolac and Ian Dolac, while his publicly identified sisters include Bianca Dolac, Jessica Dolac and Deonna Dolac.
All six siblings grew up in a family with strong connections to sports, particularly football and lacrosse.
John Dolac: Shaun Dolac’s Brother
John Dolac is one of Shaun Dolac’s older brothers and a former college football player.
According to Utah State University’s official athletic records, John played football at Erie Community College in New York.
Like Shaun, he developed an interest in competitive sports while growing up in West Seneca.
In October 2026, former West Seneca East football coach Jim Maurino discussed how John, Ian and Shaun had all shown athletic versatility during their high school years.
His comments demonstrated the family’s strong involvement in local football.
Although John’s college football background is documented, reliable information about his subsequent career and personal relationships remains limited.
Ian Dolac: Shaun Dolac’s Brother
Ian Dolac is Shaun Dolac’s other brother and a former college lacrosse player.
According to Utah State University’s February 2024 football signing announcement, Ian played lacrosse at Genesee Community College in New York.
His athletic background reflects the family’s connection to multiple competitive sports.
Shaun also played lacrosse during high school and received an opportunity to attend the University at Albany on a lacrosse scholarship.
However, he ultimately chose to pursue football, the sport his father had encouraged him to continue playing.
Like John, Ian was remembered by West Seneca East football coach Jim Maurino as a versatile athlete during his school years.
Reliable public information about Ian’s subsequent professional career and personal life remains limited.
Bianca Dolac: Shaun Dolac’s Sister
Bianca Dolac is one of Shaun Dolac’s sisters and a former college field hockey player.
Her athletic background is confirmed in Utah State University’s official football signing announcement published in February 2024.
According to the university, Bianca played field hockey at Keystone College in Pennsylvania.
Her participation in collegiate athletics reflects the strong sporting interests shared by members of the Dolac family.
Although Bianca’s college sports background is publicly documented, reliable information about her current professional activities and personal relationships remains limited.
Jessica Dolac: Shaun Dolac’s Sister
Jessica Dolac is another of Shaun Dolac’s sisters.
Her identity was confirmed in an April 2025 interview published by Buffalo television station WKBW.
During the interview, Jessica discussed the loss of Shaun’s close friend, Andrew Kocieniewski, who died by suicide in December 2023.
She explained that Andrew had developed a close relationship with the Dolac family and frequently spent time at their home.
Jessica recalled that Andrew was treated almost like an additional family member because of the strong connection he shared with Shaun and his relatives.
Her comments highlighted the importance of friendship and family support during another difficult period in Shaun’s life.
Although Jessica has publicly discussed her brother’s experiences, reliable biographical information about her education, profession and private life remains limited.
Deonna Dolac: Shaun Dolac’s Sister
Deonna Dolac is another member of the Dolac family identified in publicly available family records.
Her name appears alongside John, Colleen, Jessica, Bianca, Ian and Shaun in a family condolence message published through The Buffalo News in January 2004.
However, Deonna has not been individually profiled in the official college football biographies reviewed for this article.
Further verified information about her education, professional career and personal relationships remains limited.
Shaun Dolac’s Other Sister
Utah State University’s official records confirm that Shaun Dolac has four sisters, although the available athletic biographies do not identify all of them individually.
Because reliable published information about the remaining sister is insufficient, her name and personal background cannot be established with confidence.
The family’s preference for maintaining some personal details outside public reporting should be respected.
How Shaun Dolac’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Shaun Dolac grew up in West Seneca, New York, where he attended West Seneca East High School.
His father introduced him to football and encouraged him to develop the discipline necessary for competitive athletics.
At West Seneca East, Dolac played both running back and linebacker, establishing himself as one of the area’s most productive high school players.
During his senior season, he rushed for a school-record 1,997 yards and recorded 157 tackles.
His performances earned him recognition as The Buffalo News Player of the Year and a first-team All-Western New York selection.
Although Dolac received a scholarship offer to play lacrosse at the University at Albany, he decided to continue pursuing football.
The decision was influenced partly by his father’s encouragement and his own determination to succeed in the sport.
After graduating from high school, Dolac spent a season at Milford Academy, where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.
He subsequently joined the University at Buffalo football program as a walk-on in 2020.
Despite beginning without an athletic scholarship, Dolac impressed the coaching staff and received a scholarship before the 2021 season.
During the 2022 season, he recorded 147 tackles, ranking second nationally and establishing himself as one of the most productive linebackers in college football.
His progress was interrupted by an injury in 2023, but he returned for another season at Buffalo in 2024.
That year, he produced one of the most successful defensive seasons in university history.
Dolac recorded 168 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and five interceptions.
He received Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors and became Buffalo’s first consensus All-American.
He was also named a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, which recognizes outstanding college football players who began their careers as walk-ons.
Although he was not selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dolac signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent.
His performances during training camp and the preseason helped him earn a place on the team’s initial 53-man roster.
For Dolac, reaching the NFL represented the fulfillment of a dream he had pursued since childhood, inspired by his late father’s guidance and supported by his mother and siblings.
Shaun Dolac’s Family and Personal Challenges
Shaun Dolac’s personal experiences have strongly influenced his outlook on football and life.
The death of his father in 2016 was one of the most difficult moments of his childhood.
He has explained that the tragedy encouraged him to deepen his Christian faith and appreciate the importance of family relationships.
In December 2023, Dolac experienced another significant loss when his close friend, Andrew Kocieniewski, died by suicide.
According to an April 2025 WKBW interview, Andrew had been a longtime friend who frequently attended Shaun’s football games.
The loss affected Dolac and his relatives, including his sister Jessica, who described Andrew as an important part of their family circle.
During an October 2025 interview on the Los Angeles Rams’ Rams Revealed program, Dolac discussed how these experiences influenced his desire to support people dealing with grief and mental health difficulties.
He has also participated in the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative, which promotes cancer awareness and supports families affected by the disease.
His involvement carries personal significance because of his father’s battle with cancer.
Through these activities, Dolac has sought to use his NFL platform to encourage others facing difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shaun Dolac’s Family
Who is Shaun Dolac’s girlfriend?
Shaun Dolac’s longtime girlfriend is Nicole Stoklosa, a registered nurse specializing in oncology care. The couple became engaged in March 2026.
Is Shaun Dolac married?
As of now, Shaun Dolac is publicly reported to be engaged to Nicole Stoklosa. No verified wedding announcement has established that they are married.
Who is Shaun Dolac’s fiancée?
His fiancée is Nicole Stoklosa, who attended Daemen University and works as an oncology registered nurse.
When did Shaun Dolac get engaged?
Shaun Dolac and Nicole Stoklosa became engaged in March 2026 while vacationing in Hawaii, according to Sports Illustrated.
Does Shaun Dolac have children?
There is no reliable public information currently confirming whether Shaun Dolac has children.
Who are Shaun Dolac’s parents?
Shaun Dolac’s parents are the late John Dolac and Colleen Dolac, who raised their family in West Seneca, New York.
Who was Shaun Dolac’s father?
His father was John Dolac, a youth football coach who died from esophageal cancer in 2016.
Who is Shaun Dolac’s mother?
His mother is Colleen Dolac, who helped support the family’s seven children after her husband’s death in 2016.
How many siblings does Shaun Dolac have?
Shaun Dolac has six siblings: four sisters and two brothers, according to Utah State University’s official athletic records.
Who are Shaun Dolac’s brothers?
His brothers are John Dolac, who played football at Erie Community College, and Ian Dolac, who played lacrosse at Genesee Community College.
Who are Shaun Dolac’s sisters?
His publicly identified sisters include Bianca Dolac, Jessica Dolac and Deonna Dolac. Official athletic records confirm that he has four sisters, but the remaining sister’s identity has not been reliably established.
What happened to Shaun Dolac’s father?
John Dolac was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2015 and died in 2016 after undergoing medical treatment.
Where is Shaun Dolac’s family from?
Shaun Dolac grew up with his family in West Seneca, a suburb of Buffalo in western New York.
What NFL team does Shaun Dolac play for?
Shaun Dolac plays for the Los Angeles Rams, who signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
