ARLINGTON – After a national search, Claire Mattox has been named the new head coach of Marymount women's basketball. She began her duties on Monday, Sept. 16.
 
"We are excited to welcome Claire Mattox as the just the fifth head coach in the 44-year history of Marymount women's basketball," said Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development, Ryan Wildenhain. "Claire, who brings a wealth of experience across various levels of the game of basketball, stood out in a strong candidate pool with her passion for providing a holistic student-athlete experience and a strong commitment to upholding and enhancing the Marymount women's basketball tradition of success."
 
Mattox joins Marymount after previously spending two seasons on staff as an assistant coach at nearby American University (NCAA DI). In this role, Mattox handled all aspects of scheduling for the program and was responsible for the primary development of all wings and point guards. She also aided in recruiting and academic coordination, as well.
 
Prior to her time at AU, Mattox coached at Cornell University (NCAA DI) where she supported the head coach in practice plan development and recruiting as well as social media and marketing for the program. Mattox was named to the WBCA's prestigious Thirty Under 30 list after her first season at Cornell in 2019-20. She worked with the Big Red guards, and the stats for three-pointers made per game rose consistently while she was on staff.
 
Additionally, Mattox spent three years as an assistant coach at Vassar College (NCAA DIII) and two seasons at the University of Saint Mary (NAIA) in Leavenworth, Kan.
 
While at Vassar, she helped the team to a steady year-over-year improvement in wins, culminating in the school's first-ever at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament after winning 21 games in 2019. The staff was named Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year for its success.
 
At Saint Mary, Mattox served as the recruiting coordinator, along with assisting the head coach in other areas such as practice planning, skill development and game preparation, as well as serving as the junior varsity coach. She also served in athletic operations management, employing work study students that were in charge of organizing and overseeing all athletic events.
 
"I am honored to join Marymount University as the next head women's basketball coach," said Mattox. "I would like to thank President Irma Becerra, Athletic Director Jill McCabe, Ryan Wildenhain and the athletic department for this incredible opportunity. This program has a strong tradition of excellence, and I am eager to work with our talented student-athletes to build a bright future together and continue that legacy. My commitment is to foster a culture of excellence, teamwork and personal growth for our student-athletes. I am so grateful and truly looking forward to being a part of this amazing Marymount community! Go Saints!"
 
A Division III student-athlete herself, Mattox was a four-year letter winner at Washington College (Md.). She was selected as a team captain her senior year and earned a spot on the 2012 All-Centennial Conference Sportsmanship Team. While at Washington, she was selected to participate in the WBCA "So You Want To Be A Coach" program in 2014. She also played softball for the Shorewomen. 
 
An Arlington native who attended the Potomac School in McLean, Mattox graduated from Washington with a degree in environmental science and minors in biology and creative writing. She also earned her MBA in business administration from Saint Mary.
 
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