Albany, GA - Coach JoAnn Matthews has been the steady force behind the rise of Albany State University's women's tennis program since taking the helm in 2021. A former standout at Auburn University from 1976 to 1980, Matthews brings a lifelong passion for the sport and a wealth of experience to the courts. Her leadership was on full display during the 2025 season as she guided the Lady Golden Rams to a stellar 13-7 overall record, including an impressive 13-2 mark in SIAC play. Under her direction, the team finished as tournament runner-up, a testament to Matthews' ability to instill discipline, confidence, and championship-level performance in her athletes.
 
Beyond wins and rankings, Coach Matthews is revered for the legacy of mentorship and excellence she has cultivated throughout her career. From early roles as a physical education teacher and coach at Houston Academy and Deerfield-Windsor School, to her decades of service as a head tennis professional in Southwest Georgia, she has consistently used tennis as a platform to uplift, educate, and inspire. Her deep roots in the Albany community and her unwavering commitment to student-athlete development have made her a respected leader in collegiate athletics. Matthews' journey reflects not just the evolution of a career, but the profound impact one coach can have on shaping both character and champions.
 
We had a chance to catch up with Coach Matthews. Here's what she had to say.
 
Q: What motivated you to become a coach?
A: I have always enjoyed the competitive nature of coaching.  Even when I was in junior high school, I would coach an elementary recreational softball team in the summer.  I enjoy competition and trying to figure out ways to be successful, and teaching the skills. 
 
Q: What impact do you want to make on the next generation?
A: The impact I want to make on the next generation is to impress on them the importance of developing a good work ethic. I want them to work hard and do their best in all areas of life. Nothing beats HARD WORK, commitment, and giving 100%.  
 
Q: What core values do you try to instill in your team?
A: I try to instill the importance of teamwork. Once it becomes about "me" your team culture is lost.  I strive to create an environment that develops a good culture which will lead to success. 
 
Q: What qualities do you believe make a good leader?
A: A good leader on your team is a selfless player who focuses on the good of the entire team. They need good communication skills as well as self-awareness. 
 
Q: How do you handle adversities or coaching challenges?
A: Everyone goes through challenges.  I believe in staying positive and pushing through the bad times.  This challenge can be a learning moment.  ADVERSITY BUILDS CHARACTER.
 
Now for a little fun,
Favorite Hobbies: Working in my yard and watching all college sports.
Three athletes you believe are the Greatest of All Time: Bo Jackson, Kobe Bryant, and Roger Federer
If you weren't coaching, what other career would you pursue? My degree is in education, and I taught school before I coached.  I won't pursue another career at this point. 
Favorite vacation destination: The Beach
Favorite time of the year: My favorite time of year is April or May when the weather starts warming up.
 
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football. All teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.