Matt Cole, a 1999 graduate of Northeastern State University, returns as the Assistant coach for the RiverHawks. Coach Cole has played an integral part in helping the RiverHawks make numerous NCAA tournament appearances, which includes Northeastern State becoming the first Oklahoma school to host a NCAA Regional tournament in 2010-2011.

Coach Cole primarily works with the forwards. Cole has coached two LSC players of the year and many All-Conference players during his tenure at Northeastern State. The 2010-2011 season awarded one of Cole’s forwards Jasmine Webb, with WBCA/State Farm 1^st team All American honors.  “Matt has played a key role in the success of our program over the past 8 seasons. His on-the-floor coaching, particularly with our forwards, has been evident with the numerous quality players that have excelled for us at that position,” stated Head Coach Randy Gipson.

In addition to coaching forwards Cole serves as the primary scout and recruiter for the RiverHawks. “Matt has been critical to our success in the most important area of all…player recruitment, his ability to locate and evaluate recruit-able student-athletes has been a big asset for us,” said Coach Gipson.

Coach Cole is entering into his ninth season for the RiverHawks. Prior to his career at Northeastern, Cole was an assistant coach for Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kansas (2000-2003), with a record of 81-14. Cole received his Masters degree in Collegiate Services and College Teaching from Northeastern as well as his Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Performance. He is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree from the University of Arkansas. Coach Cole resides in Tahlequah with his wife, Lolly, and two children, Cael, 4 and Waverly, 1.