Amherst has announced the hiring of interim coach Jeff Matthews as permanent head coach of the women’s program.
Matthews guided Amherst to a 13-11-1 overall record (10-5-1 NESCAC) during the 2012-13 season.
“It is a tremendous honor to have been awarded the opportunity to work for such an impressive athletic department and school,” said Matthews in a statement. “It has been my career ambition to end up coaching at an institution like Amherst College. To be part of such an exceptional community is a thrilling opportunity for my family and me.”
“Coach Matthews did an outstanding job leading the team to a 12th-consecutive NESCAC tournament and is a great addition to our staff,” added Amherst director of athletics Suzanne Coffey. “Anyone who saw Amherst women’s ice hockey this year was treated to tenacious play and the powerful skating and stick-handling of one of Division III’s best players. It was a joy to watch the team come together and improve game by game.”
Prior to Amherst, Matthews spent six seasons as the head coach of the Northwood School boys’ team in Lake Placid, N.Y., racking up a 174-59-17 record and a .730 winning percentage.
Matthews also spent time as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Rensselaer, and at American International.
