General | 3/8/2024 10:00:00 AM
Dr. Matthew Webb has served the Houghton University community in a variety of roles since arriving in 1992. From a
ssociate dean of students, director of student programs, resident director to serving as both an assistant and head men's soccer coach, Webb has spent the last six seasons as Houghton's Director of Athletics.
During his 15 years as head men's soccer coach, he led the Highlanders to 129 wins and 11 postseason appearances. His 2016 team finished 11-7-4 and was the first Houghton program to advance to an Empire 8 Championship game. That team also played in the NCCAA National Tournament, and Webb was named NCCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year. In the spring of 2018, Webb served as interim coach of the men's and women's tennis program, leading the men to the E8 championship match and earning E8 Men's Tennis Coach of the Year honors following the season.
Webb added department administrative duties in 2004, first serving as assistant athletic director, and then transitioning to associate director of athletics for internal operations in 2014. In those roles he has been a member of the department's leadership team and has had direct oversight of facilities maintenance, practice and game scheduling, intramurals programming, student-athlete discipline proceedings, and leading department meetings.
Additionally, Webb has gained additional administrative experience as co-director of the Houghton summer soccer camps program and has led his teams on five international sports ministry trips. He has also served nationally for men's soccer as the NCCAA East Region Chair, NCCAA National Chair, Empire 8 Chair and as American Mideast Conference Chair during Houghton's NAIA affiliation. Most recently, Webb has served on the NCAA Women's Soccer National Committee.
Empire 8 Executive Director
Chuck Mitrano says: "Matt is a highly respected voice amongst the Empire 8 leaders. He has been influential in our development as a conference and acts in the best interest of all Empire 8 student-athletes. He’s been a tremendous leader for Houghton elevating its athletics program by investing in the University’s staff through mentorship and development of student-athletes as future leaders."
Coach/Administrator Name: Matthew Webb
Institution: Houghton University
Title: Director of Athletics, former Head Men's Soccer Coach
College Attended/Class Year: Bethel University (MN), Class of 1990; Masters from Alfred University; Doctorate from Regent University (VA)
Years associated with the Empire 8 Conference: 12 years, has spent 31 years at Houghton
Favorite Professional Athlete/Team: Larry Bird/Boston Celtics (NBA) and Leighton Baines/Everton (EPL)
Favorite Movie: Star Wars (it was the first movie I ever saw in a theater - my grandmother took me)
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: White Collar
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
What Do You Enjoy Doing When Away From College Athletics? Travelling, reading and playing disc golf
Favorite or Dream Vacation Spot: Anywhere on a beach
Favorite Athletic Memory as a Coach/Administrator: All the times on the bus and in my home having conversations with athletes about life. These moments are what keep me going in this job.
Who Was Your Greatest Mentor(s) and Why:
My advisor in college. Professor Rasmussen taught me that keeping the door open and being available for students was more important that closing the door and getting paperwork done.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Being a Coach/Administrator:
The daily work with my outstanding staff, and seeing our student athletes enjoy their athletic experience
What is your favorite aspect of Division III Athletics?
The life lessons learned in a highly competitive environment which allows for the teaching/learning of skills for life beyond athletics.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the Empire 8?
Houghton men's tennis winning its first E8 championship in 2021; Matt Cicero clinching at fourth singles in the final match.
How Does The Empire 8 Stand Out Among Other Conferences?
The Empire 8 has established itself as leaders in D3, not only with legislation to better the NCAA, but also has facilitated a culture of comradery and collaboration within the conference leadership.
The Empire 8 taught me: That great competition can be paired with great collegiality and respect for the opponent.
If you could use just one word to describe the Empire 8 Conference, what would it be?
Competetive
If you had to describe the Empire 8 to someone who knew nothing about it, what would you tell them?
The Empire 8 is a conference with great competition but also collegiality and support for each other.
Finally, 25 years from now, what do you hope people are saying about the Empire 8 Conference?
That the Empire 8 has continued its role as leaders and trendsetters for the NCAA
Advice for Aspiring Student-Athletes (Youth/High School and Incoming Collegians):
Athletics and competition can be an integral part of your four-year college experience. Take advantage of all that it has to offer (coaches mentorship, teammate relationships)
Advice for Graduating Student-Athletes:
Your athletic experience will help prepare you for the next step. Discipline, time management, conflict resolution - these are all things that participating in athletics has taught you. This will serve you well moving forward.
The Empire 8 is celebrating its 25th anniversary season in 2023-24 and will be celebrating various coaches, administrators and former student-athletes throughout the year as part of the Empire 8 25th Anniversary Legends series. In addition, the league will honor various championship teams and former Players of the Year on social media platforms throughout the 2023-24 season. The conference will also be using the #E825 and #E8Anniversary hashtags on its Twitter and Instagram platforms as a way for fans to follow along throughout the year.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
EMPIRE 8 SOCIAL MEDIA
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