Volleyball Coaches
Matt Cohen – Head Coach
Matt Cohen was named the 6th head volleyball coach in the Yavapai College program’s history on Jan. 17, 2007.
Cohen, a Concordia University graduate and Southern California native, has established a track record of success as a coach at both the high school and club levels and looks forward leading the Roughrider program to new heights.
In 2009, Cohen’s program took a big step with a 26-15 record and advanced to the ACCAC Division 1 Playoffs for the second time in school history. Season highlights included winning the season series against AZ Western 2-1, a first place finish at the San Diego City College Tournament, receiving votes in the NJCAA Volleyball National Poll, and finishing with the best winning percentage, .634, since the 1996 season.
Roughrider Nation also witnessed freshmen outside hitter Haley Shackelford become Yavapai’s first All-ACCAC 1st Team Selection since 1996 under the guidance of Cohen.
In 2008, Cohen wasted little time elevating the Yavapai volleyball program to new heights. He led the Roughriders to an 18-18 overall record, 10-8 in conference play. The 18 wins were the most since 2003, and the winning percentage of .500 was highest in 11 years. The 10 ACCAC conference wins were the most since 1996.
In his first season, 2007, the Roughriders established their home court, the Storm Center, as one of the toughest gyms to play finishing with a 6-3 home record with all 3 loses coming in 5 games. While the team finished with a 12-20 record, the Roughriders played several of the top junior college programs in the nation and began the learning process of what it takes to compete at the highest level.
In August of 2009 Cohen accepted the position as executive director of Yavapai Juniors Volleyball Club. YJ’s was established in 1992 and continues to be on the strongest rural clubs in the state of Arizona.
Cohen is the owner of the Arizona Volleyball Academy based in Phoenix. AVA has produced over 30 collegiate athletes including YC’s alumni Meghan McKindles, Jennifer Hess, and Brittnee Eiler. Current Roughrider Courtney Mrowczynski also played club for AVA.
Before his arrival in Arizona, Cohen spent one season as an assistant at Concordia, where he was involved in recruiting, scouting, and practice planning.
Before joining the Eagles, Cohen spent five years as the head varsity coach at Villa Park High School. He led the Spartans the CIF Playoffs 3 times including a quarter finals appearance in 2001. Several of his players continued their playing careers at schools such as UC Santa Barbara, U Mass, Boston College, Princeton, and Harvard.
Cohen also served as the boys head varsity coach at Villa Park for three seasons. His teams qualified for the playoffs all three years and established a school record for victories in his final season.
Cohen also coached at Woodbridge High School, Impact Volleyball Club, and Balboa Bay Volleyball Club.
Born in Scripts Ranch, CA, Cohen was raised in Orange County, CA. He played at Canyon High School, leading his team to the first league championship in school history. He was recognized as an all-league and an all-county player his senior year. Cohen played for ASU’s club team in 1996 helping them to a top 15 finish in the nation.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Concordia in 2004. Cohen is married to his best friend, Julie. They have three children, Tyler (7), Kiki (5), and a new baby girl, Lucy.
