HAVERFORD, Pa. - Haverford College Director of Athletics Danielle Lynch has announced the appointment of Matthew Cohen '12 as the new Head Coach for Men's Cross Country and Track & Field, effective January 3, 2024. Cohen, an alumnus of the program, brings a wealth of coaching experience and a strong commitment to the values that have defined the program's legacy.
"I am grateful to Athletic Director Danielle Lynch, the College staff and faculty, and the entire Haverford track & field and cross country community for entrusting me with the next chapter of our program's journey," Cohen said. "For the five decades Tom Donnelly has led Haverford men's track & field and cross country, team members have known commitment, community, and success."
Donnelly, the longstanding leader of Haverford men's track & field and cross country, shared the sentiment, noting, "I'm thrilled that Matt Cohen has accepted the job as head men's track & field and cross country coach. Matt is going to attract students looking for the combination of a great liberal arts college and a team aiming for the highest level in the conference and nationally."
Cohen's contributions to the Haverford program are extensive, having served as Assistant Coach for Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field since August 2016. His promotion to lead assistant for the track & field teams in 2021 attests to his dedication and success in directing the performance program and ensuring the long-term success of student-athletes.
In addition to his coaching duties, Cohen has demonstrated a commitment to stewardship and fundraising, most recently serving as the Director of Leadership Giving at Friends' Central School in nearby Wynnewood, Pa, since July 2022. Cohen has been with Friends' Central in various development roles since 2014.
"Over the course of our national search process, Matt emerged as a strong fit to lead the program," Lynch said. "I am excited for the next chapter of the men's cross country and track & field program at Haverford and am confident that Matt will sustain the unparalleled academic and athletic legacy of the program while providing his own leadership to guide the program to even greater heights."
With a Master's in Business Administration from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Haverford, Cohen's past experiences combine both academic rigor and athletic expertise. Cohen's continuing education also includes the USA Track & Field Level 1 Coaching Certificate and programs related to coaching the short sprints and horizontal jumps.
During his time as a student-athlete at Haverford, the Santa Monica, Calif., native was named to the Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll in each season of eligibility and was a captain of both the cross country and track & field programs during his senior seasons.
Cohen added, "I see the care and determination the current team brings to practice and competition, not to mention their fellowship and studies, every day. I am excited to have the chance to work with and learn alongside these strong students and better people - Haverford athletes - to see how great a team we can be."