Matt Strickland, originally from Inglewood, California is entering his second season as the Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach at the University of Montana Western. In his first season at UMW, Strickland helped the Bulldogs post a 25-8 record in the 2016-17 season, tying the most wins in a season in program history. The Bulldogs also made it to the NAIA DI National Tournament and made it to the Sweet 16. Matt was previously the Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Gillette College in Gillette, Wyoming. In the 2015-16 season, Coach Strickland helped the Lady Pronghorns to its first Region IX Championship and NJCAA DI Women’s National Tournament appearance in program history, finishing with a 24-11 overall record and a 15-1 record in Region IX play. Strickland’s responsibilities included assisting in all basketball operations, coordination of team travel, pregame & postgame team arrangements, monitoring academic progress, and recruiting coordination. His on the floor coaching responsibilities included implementing team’s offensive plays and strategies. Strickland was also in charge of skill development with team’s perimeter players, as well as the Strength and Conditioning program. Over the course of three seasons, Strickland has coached a two NAIA DI All-Americans, NJCAA DI All-American, Four Region IX All-Conference players, and has helped players move on to NCAA Division I, Division II and NAIA programs.
Prior to being hired on for the position, Matt played point guard for Coach Neary and the Gillette College Pronghorns from 2010-2012. Matt still holds the single season record for 3pt FG% at 43% and is third on the singles season assist record with 91 for the 2011-12 season. After two years with the Pronghorns, Strickland transferred to Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana where he helped the Battlin’ Bears win back to back Frontier Conference Titles from 2012-2014, and reached the NAIA National Tournament in both seasons. Matt received his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science with a Minor in Coaching Theories from Rocky Mountain College in 2015.
Matt played his high school basketball for legendary Coach Mike Lynch and Price High School in Los Angeles, California from 2006-2009, where he was able to help the Knights win the CIF Southern Section title in the 2008-2009 season. After leaving Price, Matt later transferred to Mount Pleasant High School in Mount Pleasant, Michigan for his senior season where they were the Saginaw Valley League Champions before losing in the Class A Elite Eight playoffs. Strickland was a 2010 Class A All-State honorable mention selection.
Personal: Matt is the son of Susan and Wendell Strickland, and has three siblings Chris, Miles, and Morgan.
