Mathews Named UMD’s Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach

Jessie Mathews, who spent the past two seasons as a graduate assistant coach on the University of Minnesota Duluth women’s basketball staff, has been named the Bulldogs’ new assistant coach.

“I’m so excited for for our program to announce Jesse as our new assistant coach,” said UMD Head Coach Mandy Pearson. “Jesse has a tireless work ethic, is a student of the game and is terrific with people. Those are all things that make her a fantastic coach and mentor for our student-athletes. She has been an important part of our success and Bulldog basketball is fortunate she’ll be continuing to help us reach our goals.”

In her graduate assistant coaching role, Mathews worked with the Bulldog guards in addition to helping with recruiting, scouting and other day-to-day operations.

Mathews played under Pearson as a freshman at Saint Mary’s University (Winona, Minn.) in 2013-14 — one season before Pearson took over as the Bulldogs’ head coach. The two were then rejoined in 2016-17 when Mathews transferred to UMD. The Faribault, Minn., native appeared in two games for the Bulldogs that season — her final collegiate go-around.

Mathews enjoyed a prolific six-year playing career at Bethlehem Academy and exited the Cardinal program as their all-time leader in points, assists and steals. Selected the Faribault Daily News’ All-Area Girls Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons (2011-12 and 2012-13) and to the Associated Press All-State second team as a senior, Mathews captained Bethany Academy to a third-place finish at the 2013 Minnesota State High School Class A Tournament.

The Faribault, Minn., native earned a B.S. degree in biology from UMD in 2017 and this past July completed her Master’s of Education degree.

“I would first like to thank UMD Athletic Director Josh Berlo, Coach Pearson and the UMD athletic department for giving me the opportunity to continue being a part of such a great academic and athletic institution,” said Matthews. “UMD is a special place and I am eager to get to work with a great group of young women who bring so much energy to everything they do.”

Mathews replaces Becca Neuger, who is now the assistant women’s basketball coach at Carleton College after serving in that same role with the Bulldogs last season.

https://umdbulldogs.com/news/2019/8/8/matthews-promoted-to-assistant-womens-basketball-coaching-positioin.aspx