BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford University has promoted associate head coach Matt Wise to the position of head women's basketball coach, Director of Athletics Martin Newton announced Friday afternoon.
Wise will be introduced as the new head coach at a press conference on Wednesday, Aprill 23, at 11:15 a.m. in the Coca-Cola Hospitality Suite on the second floor of the Pete Hanna Center.
"We are excited to promote Matt Wise to the position of head women's basketball coach," Newton said. "During his time on the staff here, he has shown that he is ready to take this next step in his career. I look forward to seeing him continue to build a winning program here at Samford."
Wise spent the last three seasons on the staff for the Bulldog women's basketball program. He played a pivotal role on the staff of former head coach Carley Kuhns, being heavily involved in every area of the program.
"Thank you to President Taylor, Martin Newton and Michelle Durban for this opportunity," Wise said. "Samford is a special place where people grow athletically, academically, spiritually and as overall people. Add to that a connected community and you really do have a family. We look forward to building Samford women's basketball and winning championships, as has been done across this department. My wife Katie and I understand how fortunate we are to raise our children in this community and be part of Bulldog Nation. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work."
The 2024-25 season had several Samford players have standout seasons. Freshman Claire Johnson was named second team All-SoCon, All-Freshman and All-SoCon Tournament, while junior Emily Bowman was named to the All-Defensive team. The 2024-25 Samford team led the Southern Conference in three-point percentage and ranked third in the league in points per game.
Wise previously spent time at Alabama, ETSU, Wyoming and Florida. Wise was a four-year letterwinner at Transylvania University (2007-11), where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration. In 2013, he graduated with a master's degree in sport management from Florida.
Wise comes from a coaching family. His mother, Mary Wise, was a legendary volleyball coach at the University of Florida for 34 seasons, earning 1,068 career wins, fourth-most in NCAA Division I history.
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