Palm Beach Atlantic University Athletics

Christina Matthews was hired as the beach volleyball program’s inaugural head coach in 2018. She has led PBA to two winning seasons in the program's first two years of existence.

The Sailfish finished with their second straight 20-14 record in Matthews fourth season as head coach. Despite heavy roster turnover from the previous season, Matthews guided the 'Fish to a fourth play finish at the AVCA Small College Championship, coming up just points shy of a championship appearance. The Sailfish picked up wins over Division I opponents Missouri State and Southern Miss.

Matthews guided the Sailfish to a 20-14 record during her third season as head coach of the Sailfish beach volleyball program. PBA played a national schedule that featured seven nationally ranked opponents. The 'Fish picked up big wins over division one teams Jacksonville, Austin Peay, North Carolina-Wilmington, North Alabama, and a win over Tampa. The Sailfish went 5-1 at the AVCA Small College Championship and were winners of the silver bracket.

In her second season at the helm, Matthews led the 'Fish to a 17-7 record, making the postseason for the first time and reaching the semifinals of the AVCA Small College Championship. PBA recorded the biggest win in the program's history when they defeated #20 ranked Florida Gulf Coast 3-2. The Sailfish also defeated the eventual AVCA Champions in Tampa for the first time. 

The Sailfish found success under Matthew's watch in 2019-20. PBA posted an impressive 10-2 record in its first year of competition, including five wins over NCAA Division I schools. The 'Fish also notched wins against SSC foes Florida Southern and Saint Leo. The season was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Twice named to the AVCA 30-under-30 list for Collegiate Coaches
• 1 pair awarded an AVCA Top Flight Award
• 1 CoSIDA Academic All-American Award Winner
• 1 CoSIDA Academic All-District Honoree
   

Matthews was a four-year standout for the Sailfish on the indoor volleyball team, finishing her career as an AVCA All-American in 2013. The West Palm Beach native registered over 900 kills and 300 blocks in her four seasons as the ‘Fish qualified for the NCAA Regional Tournament in 2012 and 2013.

After her playing days at PBA, Matthews turned her attention to professional volleyball playing both indoor and beach. She played for the Florida Wave in the Premier Volleyball League in 2014 as the team captured the league championship. She also played professionally in Sweden and the Philippines before transitioning to beach volleyball.

Matthews has competed in the National Volleyball League and the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour. She won an EVP event and qualified for a FIVB event as well. She’s also won several AVPNext tournaments as well as competing and winning local open beach events.