WORCESTER—Matthew Cribbin has been named the next head coach of the Holy Cross volleyball program, according to an announcement by Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes earlier this week.
Cribbin, a three-time Northeast-10 and AVCA East Region Coach of the Year, spent the last 13 seasons building one of the region’s premier volleyball programs at American International College (AIC). As head coach of the Yellow Jackets, he led the team to two NCAA East Region Championships, seven NCAA Tournament appearances, and three NE10 titles, earning a remarkable 238-142 overall record.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Coach Cribbin join us at Holy Cross,” Hughes said in the release. “He has a proven track record of building winning programs with extremely supportive and competitive team cultures. We are excited to have him guide our talented student-athletes to new levels of success in the coming years.”
Under Cribbin’s leadership, AIC achieved consistent success, including a 96-28 record since 2021. His tenure was marked by the development of standout players, including 13 AVCA All-Americans and multiple conference award recipients. In 2024, the Yellow Jackets captured their third conference title in four years and made their fourth consecutive NCAA regional appearance.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Cribbin said, “First, I would like to thank Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes, Senior Associate Director of Athletics Amy Coleman, and the incredible staff at Holy Cross for entrusting me with this exciting opportunity to lead Crusader Volleyball.”
He added, “It is my hope that our program will become synonymous with resilience, grit, and commitment to bring pride to The Hill.”
Before his tenure at AIC, Cribbin led Sarah Lawrence College to success as a Division III program and was recognized with multiple HVWAC Coach of the Year awards. A Connecticut native, he earned his bachelor’s in sports management from the University of New England, where he began his coaching career.
Cribbin’s appointment brings high expectations for Holy Cross volleyball, as he aims to elevate the program’s standing in the Patriot League and beyond.
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