Sara Matthews, a rising star in the collegiate coaching ranks who has earned the reputation as one of the nation’s top recruiters, has been named the new University of Delaware volleyball head coach, it was announced Thursday by Chrissi Rawak, UD director of athletics and recreation services.

Matthews, a standout player at James Madison and Kansas universities, served the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Texas Christian University (TCU). She previously had served on the staffs at the University of Southern California and West Virginia University.

"We are excited to welcome Sara and her family to the University of Delaware and to the Blue Hens volleyball family," said Rawak. "Sara has had outstanding success at every stop during her coaching career and is ready to take the next step as a head coach. It became very clear early in our search that Sara was a great fit here at Delaware. She brings with her impeccable credentials as a top-notch recruiter, and coach – she is the quintessential student of the game.

“We are confident that she will lead our student-athletes and our volleyball program to great things on and off the court in the CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) and beyond."

Matthews recently completed her second season at TCU, helping the Horned Frogs finish 15-13 and win seven matches in the powerful Big 12 Conference. TCU defeated Wichita State in the first round of the NCAA tournament, advancing to the NCAA second round for just the second time in program history before falling to overall top seed Nebraska.

“First and foremost I wanted to thank President (Dennis) Assanis and Chrissi Rawak for this incredible opportunity to join the Blue Hens family,” said Matthews, who becomes the fifth full-time head coach in UD volleyball history. “They are in the process of building something really special here at Delaware, with the University, in the community, and in the athletic department. Everything is in place for student-athletes to have a top-notch experience – great academics, a fun college town, first-rate facilities, and an athletic department that is doing everything to support each team. I couldn't be more ecstatic to get going with this team.

“Also, a special thanks to (senior associate athletic director for student services and sport administration) Jenn Judy and Chrissi for making this all possible. We are excited for our family to join the Blue Hen community.”

Matthews, a native of San Diego, California, played her first two collegiate seasons at UD rival James Madison in 1997-98, where she was an All-Colonial Athletic Association standout. She transferred to Kansas for her final two seasons in 1999-2000, where she was a Dean’s List student and served as team captain during her senior year. Matthews was a Jayhawk Scholar in 1999, and earned Big 12 All-Academic first team honors in 2000.

Matthews earned her bachelor’s degree in education, sports science from Kansas in 2002 and a master’s degree in communications management from USC in 2010. The former Sara Kidd, she is married to Marcel Matthews and has two daughters, Layla and Avani.

For details, see the article on BlueHens.com.