Matthews steps down as volleyball coach

After two stellar seasons at the helm of the Columbia Falls volleyball team, head coach Jessy Matthews announced she’s moving to Missoula to pursue other interests and to coach the Loyola Sacred Heart volleyball team.

Matthews was 42-3 in her tenure at Columbia Falls, leading the Wildkats to two state A titles in 2015 and 2016.

The Kats were a perfect 22-0 against Class A opponents last season.

“It’s been a truly enjoyable experience for me at Columbia Falls,” Matthews said in an email to the Hungry Horse News announcing her move. Matthews also has family in Missoula, she noted, and she wants to be closer to them.

The girls titles were the first since 1996.

The school has already started a search for a replacement. Possible candidates include Jolandie Brooks and Leslie Fant. Both were assistants under Matthews. Fant teaches at the high school.

Next year’s team will lose all the starters from the championship squad, but still has a lot of potential.