Mathews

JACKSON TWP Citing differences in philosophy with athletic director Greg Caprara, Kelly Mathews is resigning as Seneca Valley varsity girls basketball coach.

Mathews is giving up the position to accept the head girls basketball coaching post at Moon.

"It just came down to different philosophies between myself and the athletic director," Mathews said Wednesday night. "This was a hard decision for me because you develop relationships with the players you coach.

"When I told my players (Wednesday), I emphasized that just because I was taking a different job doesn't mean I won't be there for them if they ever need me for anything.

"I care about all of them, but I have to watch out for myself, too," Mathews added.

Caprara could not be reached for comment Thursday morning.

Linda Andreassi, Seneca Valley communications director, issued a statement Thursday, saying, "As of 9 a.m. this morning, the Seneca Valley School District has not received a resignation letter from Kelly Mathews as coach of the Seneca Valley girls basketball team. We will reserve making comment until we do."

Mathews was 26-44 in three years at Seneca Valley, including 4-18 last season. Her section record was 11-24 with one WPIAL playoff appearance.

A Cranberry Township resident, Mathews will remain on staff as a business teacher at Seneca Valley High. She will commute to Moon for practices and games.

"Maybe I should have negotiated gasoline into my contract," she said, jokingly.

Mathews was head coach at Moon for a year and was an assistant coach for the Tigers the two previous seasons before coming to Seneca Valley.

She also has served as an assistant coach at Oakland Catholic High School and at her collegiate alma mater, St. Bonaventure University.

Moon was 2-19 last season.

"There's a bit of rebuilding that needs to go on there, but I know most of the kids in the program from my previous time there," Mathews said. "The transition should be good and my philosophies are better suited for Moon's program. I've been there before. I know what to expect."

Mathews and Caprara reportedly disagreed on an issue involving a suspended player late this past season.

A parent of a player said Wednesday night that he and a few other Seneca Valley players' parents might attend Monday night's scheduled school board meeting to "voice our frustration."

Moon and Seneca Valley both play in Section 3-AAAA. Their section opener next year is against each other.

"That will be a strange night," Mathews admitted.