University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Director of Athletics Amanda Van Voorhis announced the appointment of Matthew Ducharme ’00 to serve as the eighth head coach of the women’s basketball program. Ducharme has been the lead assistant for Van Voorhis since 2011.
"Matt is a compassionate individual and sensitive to the demands student-athletes face today," Van Voorhis said. "He embraces the NCAA Division III philosophy as evidenced by his balance of competitive spirit and temperament. His skill set, as well as his knowledge of team personnel, opponents, and a successful system will be tremendously valuable to him during this transition."
During his tenure with the Corsairs, Ducharme played a key role in leading UMass Dartmouth to its most successful stretch in terms of victories since the late 1980s. The Corsairs compiled an overall record of 50-30, three winning seasons, and a berth in the 2013 Little East Conference Women’s Basketball Championship Game. He also oversaw the development of two of the greatest scorers in program history in Colleen Moriarty ’13 and Erika Bornemann ’14. The Canton, Mass. products became just the sixth and seventh student-athletes in program history to eclipse the 1,000-career point milestone.
In 2013, UMass Dartmouth established a new single-season record for wins (20), putting an additional two victories between the previous standard that was set by the 1988 and 1989 squads. The Corsairs edged Western Connecticut 74-64 in the semifinals to reach the championship game of the conference tournament for the first time in program history. The UMass Dartmouth coaching staff capped its impressive season, when Moriarty became the first Corsair to be elected as the Little East Conference Player of the Year by the eight conference coaches.
Ducharme has enjoyed nearly a 10-year professional relationship with his alma mater, aiding the University in a variety of roles. Prior to his appointment as the assistant women’s basketball coach, he worked extensively in the Admissions Office as an Admissions Counselor. Ducharme assisted prospective students and their families in the college application and decision process, while also representing the University at various recruitment and enrollment events such as attending local high schools, college fairs, and Destination Days.
He joined the athletics department staff in January 2006 as an assistant in the Fitness Center. Ducharme developed, implemented, and monitored training programs for the 25 varsity athletic teams, University students, and faculty. He also partnered with the athletics department to provide workshops to educate student-athletes on wellness and fitness programs to ensure a healthy lifestyle.
Ducharme currently serves as a physical education teacher at the James Tansey Elementary School in Fall River, Mass. He organizes games and challenges that promote physical activity among children grade levels among K through five. Ducharme also taught a human anatomy elective course, in addition to being a member of the Social Emotional Team and Instructional Learning Team.
The 2000 graduate received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMass Dartmouth. Ducharme earned a master’s degree in physical education from Bridgewater State University in 2005.
UMass Dartmouth will open the 2014-15 season at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, when the Corsairs host Norwich University in the opening game of the 2014 Fairfield Inn & Suites Classic at the Tripp Athletic Center.
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