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| Matt Fletcher embraces Cire Mayfield after Bethany Lutheran's win against St. Scholastica in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference final. Photo by Caleb Williams, d3photography.com |
Matt Fletcher has resigned at Bethany Lutheran, as announced today. He has been named the head men's basketball coach at Concordia University-St. Paul, an NCAA Division II school.
Fletcher has spent the last four seasons as the head coach of the BLC men's basketball and women's golf programs, and oversaw the strength and conditioning effort.
"I would like to thank President Pfeifer and Don Westphal for giving me the opportunity to lead their men's basketball program the past four seasons," said Fletcher. "I am blown away by the amount of great people I have met, amazing players I have gotten to coach, and families I have gotten to know.
"When I came to BLC I was unsure where it would lead our family," he continued. "We have had an amazing four years here in Mankato and will miss everyone dearly. Thank you for all the support and passion this place gave our program. My family and I will always be Vikings!"
In his four years at the helm of the men's basketball program, the Vikings went 76-33, won two Upper Midwest Athletic Conference tournament championships, one regular-season UMAC title, and made two appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament game in 2018, Fletcher led the Vikings to a 102-92 win over then-No. 7 St. John's in Collegeville, Minn.
Fletcher has coached nine all-conference players, one UMAC Player of the Year, two D3hoops.com All-Region selections, two UMAC Newcomers of the Year, and was named the UMAC Coach of the Year in 2017-18.
The 2019-20 team set nine season records: points (2,558), scoring average (91.4 PPG), field goals (963), field goal percentage (.510), three-point field goals (278), assists (541), blocked shots (120), conference wins (14) and wins (21).
"Matt Fletcher has been a tremendous member of our athletic department and campus the past four seasons," said Westphal, the school's athletic director. "His recruiting of talented student-athletes and the mentoring he has provided both our men's basketball and women's golf teams speak to Matt's dedication for intercollegiate athletics and his commitment to Bethany's student-centered focus.
"Under his leadership, Matt has elevated our men's basketball team to the top of the UMAC as well as being recognized regionally," Westphal continued. "His passion and knowledge of basketball are undeniable, making Matt one of the rising stars in the collegiate coaching ranks. Matt is also well-respected within the conference golfing circles. We are proud of Matt's accomplishments here at Bethany and the way he represented our institution. I have no doubt that with his drive and work ethic, he will continue to lead future programs to championship levels."