By: Story Courtesy of Albright Athletics
READING, Pa. (Women's Soccer) – The Albright athletic department has announced the hiring of Shamus Matthews to lead the women's soccer program as the teams next head coach. Matthews is the 8
th head coach all time of the program.
Shamus Matthews has a wealth of soccer experience coaching at the collegiate and high school levels while also working with various New Jersey soccer clubs over his coaching tenure.
"Coach Matthews has a tremendous coaching background which will make for a seamless transition stepping into the role of head coach for our women's soccer program. Matthews brings a great balance of enthusiasm to the field and understanding of the Division III philosophy for our athletes." Said, Athletic Director Rick Ferry, "I am excited to have Coach Matthews as a part of Albright athletics and am looking forward to seeing him lead the team this fall."
During the 2024 season, Matthews was the head coach of Union College in New Jersey. At Union College, Matthews was tasked with rebuilding the program and made great strides in his first year winning three of the last four games to end the season.
"Being named the head women's soccer coach at Albright College is truly a dream come true and a moment of immense pride for me. Joining the Albright athletic staff is an incredible honor, and I am thrilled to serve the college alongside a department filled with passionate, dedicated individuals who share my commitment to developing young people into the best versions of themselves, both on and off the field", said coach Matthews. "As I begin this exciting new chapter in my coaching career, I am eager to work with and learn from my colleagues, while bringing fresh energy and vision to the women's soccer program. Together with my coaching staff, we are ready to embrace this new era and lead the program toward a bright and successful future. The journey ahead is full of promise, and I am deeply honored to be part of it."
While coaching at Union College Matthews was heavily involved in the Princeton FC soccer club. Matthews played a key role in the development and the overall success of the club. His main role was helping players and their families in their next steps of college recruitment.
From 2021-2024, Matthews was the head coach of Allentown high school boys' soccer program in New Jersey. In his second season as head coach, he led the team to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 Sectional Finals while amassing 27 wins over his tenure at the school.
In addition to his head coaching roles, Matthews has served as a coach for the New Jersey Olympic Development Program, coached with the New Jersey Surf soccer club and spent time as the Director of Coaching of the Liverpool FC International Academy.
Matthews is a graduate of Moravian College with a degree in studio arts while later going on to earn his teaching certificate from Monmouth University.