Matt Jones started as Graduate Assistant and is now the Director of Basketball
Operations for Men's Basketball at Seattle University. Read more about Matt below!
How did you first get into coaching? What has been the driver that has kept you in coaching?
I first got into coaching when I realized during my senior year in college that I wanted to try and impact players in the same way my coaches have impacted my life. That is what keeps me going; is working every day to help our players get the best experience they can out of their college years and help prepare them to be successful in their lives after basketball.
Who has been the biggest influence in your coaching career? Why?
My biggest influences in my coaching career have been my parents. They have been the ultimate coaches for me, and have pushed me to pursue my passion; which is teaching about life through the game of basketball.
What has been your greatest lesson learned in coaching so far?
The greatest lesson I have learned is that no job is too small for you. Every single thing that is done to keep your program moving in the right direction is important and cannot be taken for granted.
What has been your most memorable win?
Most memorable win was beating Chicago State this past season to win a share of the Regular Season WAC Championship. This was the first Division I Conference Title in the history of our school.
What is your favorite team meal?
This is an important question for the Director of Basketball Operations! My favorite team meal is our pregame meal at home. We go to a nice Italian restaurant, and have a buffet setup in our own room. Our whole team and staff eat together and it is just a fun environment to share a good meal.
Tell us a recent book/podcast/movie that has left you inspired as a coach.
Hustle by Adam Sandler. It was a really well done film and made me think again about why we all enjoy being coaches; to help those we are coaching have the best experience possible and to impact their lives in a positive way.
Fun Fact: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you.
I love to snowboard! I like to try and get away a couple days a year during the winter and get up into the mountains.
As a member, what has been the most rewarding aspect/ favorite memory of Rising Coaches for you?
The most rewarding aspect for me is how Rising Coaches has allowed me to connect with people from across the globe. I just really enjoy talking to the other members and getting to know who they are as people.
