One of the most distinguished women's rugby coaches in the nation, MaryBeth Mathews has been the head coach of Bowdoin College dating back to 1994, when the sport was still a club program. In 2002-03 Mathews played a significant role in supporting the college's elevation of the sport to varsity status. Bowdoin women's rugby is the oldest varsity women's rugby program in the country.
Mathews has established Bowdoin rugby as one of the premier college rugby programs and perennial contender, with the Polar Bears qualifying for the post-season nearly every year of her career. Since joining the program, Mathews has produced consistently successful teams, winning multiple New England Division II Championships, four consecutive New England Small College Conference Championships, several undefeated regular seasons and appearing in the Sweet 16, Elite 8 and Final Four national championships between 2007 - 2016. Most recently, the Polar Bears joined N.I.R.A., where they won the 2019 and '21 Division III Championships.
Mathews has a reputation for developing players to their full potential and instilling a love of the game. In addition to dozens of All-Americans, and countless All-Academics, two Bowdoin rugby alumni, Christina Hobson and Farrah Douglas, played for the USA Women's National Rugby Team. Many other alumni continue to play, referee and coach all across the country.
The Bowdoin women's rugby team fields a competitive A-side and developmental B-side. Mathews has built not only a competitive and successful program, but one whose culture and values have carried over from the early years and prevail today: inclusiveness, diversity, commitment, friendship, support, and fun. The team takes an international rugby tour every four years and most recently visited Spain in 2022.
A native of Massachusetts, Mathews began playing rugby at its inception in the USA in 1976. Her successful playing career included selection to the Eastern Rugby Union (ERU) and winning two National Championships, captaining the first in USA history in 1978. Throughout her life, Mathews has been instrumental in the advancement of girls and women in athletics. Her passion for rugby and equality led her to pioneer and co-found the American Collegiate Rugby Association (ACRA), dedicated to the growth and support of women's collegiate rugby.
"It's my experience that some of the most diverse, interesting, and amazing women choose to play rugby. Whether they played rugby or other sports in high school, or are joining the sport just now, I'm privileged to coach them here at Bowdoin. Getting to know these intellectually curious and vibrant young women, and to watch them grow on and off the pitch is a delight. Their confidence soars and I see them rewarded in many ways from their participation in rugby" says Mathews. "I am very happy with the competitive, successful program we've built here at Bowdoin, but I'm most proud of the inclusive and supportive atmosphere each team works hard to sustain, where women can be themselves and develop greater physical and inner strength while learning to play a really fun sport!"
Mathews holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's degree in Higher Education. She and her husband, Bob Mathews (Assistant coach) enjoy life in southern Maine and coaching Bowdoin women's rugby together.
