Matthews Steps Down as Head Women’s Soccer Coach
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. - Baker University Athletic Director Susan Decker announced on Thursday that Sara Matthews has decided to step down as head coach for the Baker women's soccer program.
"I can't thank Sara enough for her dedication to the women's soccer program and to Baker University as a whole," expressed Decker. "Whether it was as a player, an assistant coach, or a head coach, Sara has always been an incredible advocate for the university. While I am excited for her and her next adventure, our department will not be the same without her."
Matthews, who is taking a job outside of coaching, spent the last five seasons at the helm for the Wildcats, posting a 41-42-9 record overall and leading them to five straight appearances in the Heart of America Conference Tournament.
In her first two seasons at BU, she won a combined 23 games and led the Wildcats to a conference runner-up finish in the regular season and an NAIA postseason appearance in 2020. Matthews was named Heart Women's Soccer Coach of the Year in 2020 after boasting a conference record of 9-2-1.
"This has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life," said Matthews. "It's hard to put into words how much the players, staff and community have meant to me - 'thank you' doesn't cover it."
"Thank you to Nate (Houser), who believed in me as a player, as an assistant, and then as a head coach. It truly meant so much to have him believing in me every step of the way. Thank you to Susan (Decker), who provided me with such a positive role model experience being a female in the athletic world. Some days weren't easy, but Susan provided me with more peace and confidence than she could ever know. Thank you to our department as a whole, they weren't just colleagues to me, I've met best friends in athletics and at BU in particular."
"To my girls, past and present, thank you for everything you've given to our program. They say players teach coaches just as much and that is absolutely true. I love every single one of you and am so proud of the hard work you've all put in. Always believe in yourselves!"
Prior to her coaching days, Matthews played for the Wildcats from 2005-2008 under Baker Hall of Famer Nate Houser. In her four seasons, she was a three-time team captain, a Heart of America All-Conference performer in 2006 and was the 2007-2008 Baker University Student Senate Female Athlete of the Year.
After earning her Master's in Business Administration at Washburn, Matthews returned to BU in 2010 to serve as an assistant coach until 2014 before getting her first head coaching gig at Avila.
Spending three years with the Eagles and then two years as an assistant at Kansas City Kansas Community College, Matthews returned to her alma mater in 2020 to take over head coaching duties.
"I've grown so much, not just as a coach, but as a person, and I'll always carry the memories and relationships with me," added Matthews. "I'm definitely grieving this change, but it's time for a new season in my life. I'll forever be grateful for my time at Baker and can't wait to continue supporting the university as an alum! #BTID"
This past season, Matthews and the Wildcats qualified for the Heart Conference Tournament after clinching a spot with a win in their final game of the regular season for the second straight year. She had two players earn all-conference honors with Macie Albright and Avery Young both landing on the All-Heart Second Team.
Baker will conduct a national search for its next head coach with applicants encouraged to apply at www.bakeru.edu/university-employment.
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