University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mark Campbell
Matthews Stepping Down as UD Volleyball Head Coach
1/31/2022 4:00:00 PM | Volleyball
NEWARK, Del. - University of Delaware Head Volleyball Coach Sara Matthews has announced that she will be stepping down as the Blue Hens leader. Matthews has accepted the position of Associate Head Coach at Notre Dame.
"Over the last five seasons, Delaware Volleyball has made great progress in the locker room and on the court, and that is a direct result of Coach Matthews' commitment and hard work," said Rawak, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation. "I want to thank Sara and her family for their dedication to Delaware Athletics and wish them the very best."
Matthews has spent the last five seasons as the Blue Hens Head Coach. In 2021, the Blue Hens won nine home matches, the most by a UD squad since 2014. Outside hitter Lani Mason was a top offensive threat picking up four CAA Player of the Week honors and earning All-CAA First Team accolades. Statistically, the Blue Hens finished the 2021 campaign ranked fourth nationally in aces/set (2.16) and seventh in team service aces (220).
"I will forever be grateful to Chrissi for hiring me to lead this special program five years ago," said Matthews. "Jen Vining-Smith, I appreciate your support and trust in me to lead this team. It has been an honor to be a Blue Hen. Thank you to all of our alumni and past players for paving the way. To our current players, you are the reason why I coach. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport of volleyball has been amazing to be a part of. My heart will be with you always. I can't wait to see what is in store for you all."
Kim Lambert will serve as the interim head coach.
A few highlights from Matthew's stint at UD (2017-21)
"Over the last five seasons, Delaware Volleyball has made great progress in the locker room and on the court, and that is a direct result of Coach Matthews' commitment and hard work," said Rawak, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation. "I want to thank Sara and her family for their dedication to Delaware Athletics and wish them the very best."
Matthews has spent the last five seasons as the Blue Hens Head Coach. In 2021, the Blue Hens won nine home matches, the most by a UD squad since 2014. Outside hitter Lani Mason was a top offensive threat picking up four CAA Player of the Week honors and earning All-CAA First Team accolades. Statistically, the Blue Hens finished the 2021 campaign ranked fourth nationally in aces/set (2.16) and seventh in team service aces (220).
"I will forever be grateful to Chrissi for hiring me to lead this special program five years ago," said Matthews. "Jen Vining-Smith, I appreciate your support and trust in me to lead this team. It has been an honor to be a Blue Hen. Thank you to all of our alumni and past players for paving the way. To our current players, you are the reason why I coach. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport of volleyball has been amazing to be a part of. My heart will be with you always. I can't wait to see what is in store for you all."
Kim Lambert will serve as the interim head coach.
A few highlights from Matthew's stint at UD (2017-21)
- The Blue Hens qualified for a pair of CAA Tournaments. Maria Bellinger (2019) and Grace Underwood (2021) both earned All-Tournament accolades.
- Seven Blue Hens earned all-conference recognition under Matthews guidance for a total of 11 honors. Maria Bellinger (3rd Team - 2017, 1st Team - 2018, 1st Team - 2019), Andie Hanus ( 2nd Team - 2019, Defensive Specialist of the Year), Ezrie Basarania (Rookie Team - 2019), Lily Rogers (2nd Team - 2020), Savannah Seamans (Rookie Team - 2020, 2nd Team - 2021) Lani Mason (1st Team - 2021), Lauryn Richardson (2nd Team - 2021).
- In 2019, Matthews led the Blue Hens to its first CAA Tournament appearance since 2016, reaching the semifinals. It was a thrilling final two wins of the season as Delaware first defeated Hofstra in the regular-season finale in five sets on the road. Delaware was then faced with a rematch in the opening round of the CAA Tournament, same opponent, same floor, reverse sweeping the Pride to move into the semifinals. The first win was the first in Hempstead since 2013 and secured the No. 6 seed for the Blue Hens.
Players Mentioned
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