Hank Mathews begins his second season on the Cougar coaching staff as a Graduate Assistant. The Peoria, Illinois native graduated from Columbia College in 2018 with a B.A. in American Studies and is currently working towards his Masters in Teaching at Columbia College.
During the 2019-20 season Mathews helped guide the Cougars to a successful 20-win season. He was also instrumental off the court as an academic advisor, helping the Cougars earn the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award.
Prior to joining the coaching staff, Mathews completed a successful two-year playing career at Columbia College. He transferred to Columbia after a season at Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and made an immediate impact for the Cougars as a member of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 AMC Regular Season champions. The Cougars also qualified for National Tournament both seasons, earning their way into the quarterfinals in 2016-17. During his senior season, Mathews received recognition from the athletic department as a P.A.W. (Passion, Attitude and Work Ethic) Award winner.
Hank is the third oldest of six boys in the Mathews family. He is the son of Eddie and Stephanie Mathews, and played for his dad, Eddie, who has been a high school basketball coach in the state of Illinois for over 20 years.
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