Matt Wollenzin enters his second season as associate head coach and fifth season overall with the program in 2021-22. Wollenzin is the hitting and catching instructor, and also serves as the strength and conditioning coordinator for the Athletics Department.
In his first season as an assistant coach, Wollenzin helped guide the Vikings to their most successful season in school history. In 2018, the Vikings won a share of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) regular season title for the first time with a record of 14-2 and then went on to win the UMAC postseason tournament for the first time ever. As a result, the Vikings qualified for their first-ever NCAA Regional Tournament.
The 2018 season also brought much individual recognition for the Vikings as they boasted the UMAC Pitcher of the Year in Cody Leitner and Rookie of the Year in Ross Beumer. Additionally, the Vikings had eight players earn All-UMAC First Team honors. The recognition continued as Ross Beumer was named Rookie of the Year by D3baseball.com and Ben Boran was an American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings NCAA DIII Midwest All-Region Second-team selection.
Wollenzin comes to Bethany from the University of Evansville (Division I, Missouri Valley Conference, Evansville, IN). Matt spent two years (2016-2017) at Evansville where he served as the catching instructor and assisted with hitters as well as other day to day operations. Previous to Evansville, he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater Austin Peay State University.
As a player at Austin Peay, Matt was a four-year starter as a catcher, first baseman, and designated hitter. Wollenzin's playing career was highlighted by three NCAA Division I Regional appearances (2011-2013) as well as individual honors of 2011 NCBWA Freshman All-American Team and 2011 OVC All-Freshman Team.
Wollenzin also coaches in the summer with the Mankato Moondogs of the Northwoods League where he will be the Head Coach and Field Manager beginning in 2019.
Matt graduated from Austin Peay University in 2014 with a Bachelors in Healthcare Management. He earned his Masters in Healthcare Administration in 2015. Wollenzin is a native of Lakewood, CO.
