Jessica Mathes Tabbed to Lead Women's Basketball

ARNOLD, Md. - Anne Arundel Community College is proud to announce Jessica Mathes as the new Head Coach of the Women's Basketball program. A familiar and respected figure within the Riverhawks athletic community, Mathes has been a full-time member of the AACC athletic department since 2018, and currently serves as the specialist for budget and operations.

Mathes' impactful career has been shaped by a deep commitment to student-athlete development, competitive excellence, and academic success. She has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the college's athletic mission and core values, helping guide student-athletes both on and off the court.

"We are excited to have Coach Mathes lead our women's basketball program," said Director of Athletics Duane Herr '07. "Her experience, leadership, and passion for the game - and for our students - are unmatched. She embodies the Riverhawk spirit, and we look forward to the continued success and growth of our program under her guidance."

Mathes' career includes a four-year stint as assistant coach with the Riverhawks from 2019-2023, helping guide AACC to a runner-up finish in Region 20 in her first season and to two Region 20 semifinals appearances (2022, 2023). Mathes has held head coaching roles in boys' varsity basketball and girls' AAU programs, where she led teams to national prominence—including a national championship win at the 18U level. Most recently, she helped lead the Indian Creek School girls' varsity team to back-to-back Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) "C" Conference titles in 2023 and 2024. Mathes also brings administrative experience from her tenure as athletic director and head boys' varsity basketball coach at D.C. Public Charter School.

Her coaching philosophy emphasizes character development, academic achievement, and teamwork—closely aligning with AACC Athletics' values of professionalism, respect, integrity, development, and equity (PRIDE).

"I am extremely grateful and humbled at being named head coach of the AACC Riverhawks," said Mathes. "This is a tremendous honor and responsibility that I do not take lightly. Success has many forms and winning is just one of them. For me, coaching is about the journey for both the young women and myself, and we are going to have a great ride along the way. I am truly living my best life."

A former multi-sport high school athlete and U.S. Army veteran, Mathes played basketball for 13 years and softball for six while serving her country. She holds a master's degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine and a bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary studies from Liberty University.

Coach Mathes will officially assume head coaching duties effective immediately and has begun preparations for the upcoming 2025 season.