Shattuck-St. Mary’s Appoints Matt Ball as New Head Coach and Interim Director of Girls Soccer Center of Excellence

Ball, who hails from Newcastle, England, will oversee all facets of the program including recruiting efforts, game and practice preparation, video analysis, scouting, college placement, as well as day-to-day operations.

“We are very fortunate to have found someone of Matt’s caliber to lead our Girls Soccer COE forward,” said Michele Cornish, Athletic Director. “He brings a wealth of coaching experience at the youth and collegiate levels for both field players and goalkeepers. He is also well-versed in recruiting and college placement. I know that Coach Ball is looking forward to joining our campus community and I’m sure that his positive impact will be felt immediately.”

Ball comes to SSM after serving as the assistant coach and then interim head coach of the women’s soccer program at NCAA Division I Southern Illinois University. While at SIU, he helped lead the Salukis to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament for the first time in program history.

Prior to Southern Illinois, Ball had stints at Division II Montana State University-Billings and University of Providence (MT) of the NAIA. Ball began his college coaching career as an assistant coach at St. Xavier University and he has also been heavily involved in several youth soccer programs. He currently holds a Premier Diploma from United Soccer Coaches as well as Level I and II goalkeeper diplomas.

"My trip to campus during the interview process confirmed to me that SSM is a great community to be a part of,” stated Ball on his hiring. “It’s a very exciting time for the Girls Soccer COE - previous coaches have laid a great foundation and as I meet more and more of the team, it is very evident that we are all working towards the same goal."

To learn more about Shattuck-St. Mary’s Girls Soccer Center of Excellence, please visit SSM Girls Soccer online. Girls interested in joining the program can express their interest by filling out an inquiry form here.

About Shattuck-St. Mary’s School

Shattuck-St. Mary’s School is a world-class college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 6-PG located in Faribault, Minnesota. SSM delivers a rigorous academic curriculum that blends the best of traditional education with innovative, creative learning opportunities for students around the world who want to pursue their passions in academics, the arts, or athletics. Discover more at s-sm.org.