Athletics at Salve Regina University

Coach Matthew Hird - Women’s Track & Field

Coach Matt Hird joined the Seahawks last year as the Head Women's Track and Field Coach at Salve Regina University after a lengthy tenure at Rhode Island College as the Head Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Coach.

Hird enjoyed considerable success at RIC where his athletes compiled 11 NCAA National Championship appearances as well as having two named All-American. Annmarie Gower Marino was the first female All-American in RIC athletic history. Hird's athletes also garnered 30 Division III All-ECAC titles including three champions. Against Divisions I, II and III competition his athletes earned seven All-New England awards including a champion in the hammer. On the New England Division III level, RIC athletes received 18 All-New England Awards including two individual champions. Hird's teams also won two Little East Conference championships and included 22 individual champions in outdoor track and field.

A life-long runner, Hird was a member of the cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field teams at Colby College, where he received his undergraduate degree in history. After obtaining a Master's degree in teaching from Brown University he began his coaching career at Toll Gate High School in Warwick, R.I., where he coached numerous all-state athletes.

Hird serves as the secretary-treasurer for the New England Women's Division III Cross Country and Track & Field Association.

When asked to describe his coaching philosophy, Hird said, "We focus on the individual. We are honest with every athlete and treat every athlete with respect regardless of ability. Everybody has something to contribute. We respect their goals and work hard to help them achieve them. I want every athlete when they complete their athletic career to be able to say that they have, 'no regrets.' If we can all say that, then the teams will be successful."

Hird lives in Warwick, R.I.