Owls Add Another Head Coach To Staff

PRESS RELEASE

COLUMBUS, Miss. – W athletics has announced Tatjana Matthews as head softball coach.

MATTHEWS

“Tatjana is the ‘right fit’ we have been focused on for our softball program.  Her experience as a Division I student-athlete and as a head coach at multiple levels will provide her with the tools necessary to lead our softball program forward in an extremely positive direction. This is a great day for The W!,” said Jason Trufant, director of athletics.

Matthews comes to W athletics from Columbia College in Columbia, S.C., a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletic Conference member.  As associate head coach of the Koala’s softball team, Matthews assisted in leading the team to its first winning season in school history and was a part of three winning seasons after joining the staff in 2012. She was named head coach in 2016.

Prior to her time at Columbia College, Matthews spent two years as the head coach at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie.

“I am excited to be a part of The W family as we introduce a new era of athletics to the university and would like to thank Dr. Borsig and Jason Trufant for this incredible opportunity.  I have been impressed beyond words by the support of not only The W faculty and staff, but the surrounding community, “said Matthews.

Matthew’s collegiate athletic career began at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C. As a member of the FMU team, she was named to the Peach Belt Academic team and Academic All-American. Currently, she holds the record for most RBI in a season, career RBI, fielding percentage, games started, consecutive games started and is top 10 in doubles.

After graduating from FMU with a bachelor’s degree of science in sociology, Matthews joined the Buccaneers of Charleston Southern University. While completing her last year of eligibility, she was named to the Scholar Athlete Team, Who’s Who 2009 and 4.0 Buc Athlete Club.  While at Charleston Southern, Matthews earned her masters of science in criminal justice and also served as softball graduate assistant.

“I cannot wait to see everyone out at the ball field next year as we embark on our inaugural season.  Go Owls!,” added Matthews.