Lyon College has announced the hiring of Matt Petersen as the new head coach of the Scots women’s basketball program.
Lyon College Athletic Director Kevin Jenkins made the announcement, praising Petersen’s extensive coaching experience and commitment to athletic and academic success.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Matt Petersen as the new leader of our Women’s Basketball program,” Jenkins said. “Matt brings an impressive track record of strategic game-planning, player development, and an unwavering commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.”
Petersen arrives in Batesville after serving as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Stetson University, where he helped guide the Hatters to a 20-win season, an appearance in the Atlantic Sun Conference Semifinals, and a berth in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
With nearly 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, Petersen has coached at multiple levels, including NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA programs. His coaching stops include the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Pacific University, Rhodes College, Knox College, Olivet Nazarene University, St. Francis, Elmhurst University, and Illinois Wesleyan University.
Petersen said he immediately felt a strong connection to Lyon College and the Batesville community.
“I am incredibly excited and grateful to be named the head women’s basketball coach at Lyon College,” Petersen said. “From the moment I arrived on campus and into the community, I could feel that this place was special and filled with so much potential.”
Throughout his career, Petersen has developed numerous All-Conference players and helped build nationally competitive programs. Most recently, 3 of his players earned All-ASUN honors, including 1 unanimous selection.
Petersen said his goal is to build a program focused on excellence both on and off the court.
“My vision is to build a program that pursues excellence in all of its commitments,” Petersen said. “We will strive to make everyone associated with Lyon College — athletes, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the Batesville community — proud.”
A native of Spring Valley, Illinois, Petersen earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Illinois State University.
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