Matt Bollant named Women's Basketball Coach at Southwest Baptist University

Bollant brings 24 seasons of coaching experience and a proven track record of success to the Bearcats program

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:33am

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Southwest Baptist University has named Matt Bollant as the new Head Women's Basketball Coach. Bollant joins the Bearcats with 24 seasons as a women's college head coach, including 475 career wins, five conference Coach of the Year Awards, and 12 postseason appearances. He has had great success at the Division I level, most notably at Wisconsin-Green Bay where he posted a 148-19 record and led the team to five Horizon League Championships and four NCAA Tournament berths.

Why it matters

Bollant's extensive coaching experience and track record of success at the highest levels of women's college basketball make him an exciting hire for Southwest Baptist University. His ability to build winning programs and develop players both on and off the court will be valuable assets as he looks to elevate the Bearcats' women's basketball program.

The details

Bollant had his greatest success while coaching at Division I Wisconsin-Green Bay from 2007-12, where he posted an outstanding 148-19 record (.886) with five Horizon League Championships, four NCAA Tournament berths, and a Sweet 16 appearance. He was voted Horizon League Coach of the Year four times and coached three conference players of the year. Prior to joining SBU, Bollant spent two years as the head coach at Bryan College, leading them to two winning seasons and a National tournament berth.

  • Bollant becomes the new Head Women's Basketball Coach at Southwest Baptist University.
  • Bollant will be introduced to the Southwest Baptist community at a press conference on Tuesday, March 31st at 10:30 a.m.

The players

Matt Bollant

The new Head Women's Basketball Coach at Southwest Baptist University, with 24 seasons of experience as a women's college head coach and a proven track record of success, including 475 career wins, five conference Coach of the Year Awards, and 12 postseason appearances.

Clark Sheehy

The Director of Athletics at Southwest Baptist University, who named Bollant as the new Head Women's Basketball Coach.

Dr. Melson

The President of Southwest Baptist University, who impressed Bollant with his passion for what athletics can bring to the university.

Kathi Bennett

The former head coach at the University of Evansville and Indiana University, whom Bollant assisted early in his coaching career.

Kayla Karius

A former player of Bollant's at Wisconsin-Green Bay, who praised his leadership, teaching of the game, and faith-driven approach.

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What they’re saying

“I've known Matt for a long time, and I've always respected the work he's done and the relationships he's built throughout his career. He brings a wealth of college coaching experience and has coached at the highest level, but just as importantly, he's a great family man and a person of character. That's the kind of person you want leading and building a program. Southwest Baptist is getting a good one.”

— Dan Rolfes, Incarnate Word Women's Head Coach, 15x Missouri State Champion, USA women's U16 National Team Head Coach

“Matt Bollant is a terrific basketball coach, and I am excited for him and his new position at Southwest Baptist. Not only does Matt have a great basketball mind, he is a person of high character. He has vast experience coaching women's basketball and is a proven winner.”

— Kellie Harper, Missouri Head Women's Basketball Coach

“Coach Bollant will bring not only a winning tradition to Southwest Baptist University, but also a heart for people. His faith-driven leadership and genuine care for others will build lasting relationships with local coaches, players, and the community—setting the foundation for something truly special.”

— Jim Pendergrass, HS State Champion Head Coach, SBU alumni

“Coach Bollant is an excellent hire and such a great fit for Southwest Baptist University. As my college coach, he was a fantastic leader, teacher of the game, and man of faith. I'm thankful for my time playing for him during which we enjoyed plenty of success on the court but also learned life lessons of hard work, accountability, and gratitude. The University and Bolivar community are in great hands with Coach Bollant.”

— Kayla Karius, Wisconsin Green Bay Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Bollant's proven track record of building successful women's basketball programs, combined with his strong Christian faith and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court, make him an excellent choice to lead the Southwest Baptist University women's basketball team into the future.