PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The Robert Morris University men's soccer team has promoted Matty Evans to Associate Head Coach, Head Coach Jason O'Keefe announced today. Evans has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the Colonials.
"Matty has been instrumental in the successful transition to RMU that we have had. He has been involved in every decision since day one, and will continue to be," O'Keefe said. "He is extremely hard working, and has dedicated himself to getting this program back to a championship level in all aspects, taking on more responsibilities in multiple key areas over the past year."
Evans will take on an increased role amongst an RMU coaching staff that has already seen significant improvement on the pitch after just their second season behind the bench for the Colonials.
"With the help of Dan Yates and Jay O'Donnell, our staff is operating at a very high level to provide a quality experience for our current student athletes," O'Keefe said. "Matty has led the recruiting efforts to improve our talent and overall depth which will put the program on solid ground for the years to come. He has a great eye for talent, and is relentless in his pursuit to bring top class people and players to RMU."
Arriving on campus last winter before the onset of the spring 2021 campaign, Evans has been a key component of an RMU squad that finished 4-5-1 in Horizon League play this past fall.
Following their inaugural season behind the bench last spring in which RMU won just a single game, Evans was integral in recruiting 14 newcomers to the squad ahead of the fall campaign that saw the Colonials take significant steps offensively while also qualifying for their first postseason appearance in four years.
"I am honored to have been given this new title and continue to work alongside Jason, Dan and Jay," Evans said. "It's a privilege to see these young student-athletes grow every day in their pursuit of excellence on and off the field. The supporters and alumni of the program can rest assured that work towards a Horizon League championship is in full swing!"
Dedicated on the field and in the classroom, RMU has also seen its overall team GPA rise each of the last two semesters, culminating in a United Soccer Coaches College Team Academic Award for the 2021 season.
"I am very excited to give Matty this opportunity to continue to grow and develop while recognizing his quality work. He will be an outstanding head coach one day and this is the next step in that process," O'Keefe said.
