HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College head men’s lacrosse coach Tony Smith is pleased to announce that Matt Spivey will be joining the Cobras inaugural lacrosse staff as his assistant coach.

A 2011 Belmont Abbey College graduate, Spivey joins the coaching ranks after a stellar playing career at the Abbey where he was a four-year starter and two-time team captain for the Crusaders. A two-time Conference Carolinas All-Tournament Team selection as a midfielder, Spivey scored 12 goals with six assists and 67 ground balls in his career at Belmont Abbey. He received the Fr. Martin “Pop” Hayes Award for Exemplary Team Spirit and True Dedication to the Abbey and was the winner of the Outstanding Effort and Attitude Award on the men’s lacrosse team in 2011; he was also named the men’s lacrosse Freshman of the Year in 2008.

"Matt will be an outstanding addition to our athletic department staff, campus community and the city of Hartsville, S.C.,” said Smith. “I have known Matt for several years and have had the pleasure of coaching him.  An energetic, positive and a tireless worker, Matt will help led our young team to success immediately.”

In addition to Spivey’s playing experience he has already gained ample coaching experience as an assistant coach with the North Carolina Lacrosse Academy and the Landsharks Lacrosse Club.

A native of Annapolis, Maryland, Spivey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from Belmont Abbey. He also is a certified strength and conditioning coach, a role he will be performing for the Coker athletic department in addition to his coaching duties.

The Cobra lacrosse team will take to the field for their inaugural season starting in the spring of 2012. All games will be played on the football field at Byerly Park. There will be a few fall scrimmages where fans can get a sneak peak of the season to come, for more information please check the Coker Athletics website.