“We are excited to have Jo Anne leading the women’s tennis program,” Gordon said. “Jo Anne has a wealth of experience and will be instrumental in the development of our student-athletes and our women’s tennis program.
Matthews played tennis at Auburn University from 1976-1980. After graduating from Auburn, she served as a physical education teacher and coach at Houston Academy in Dothan, Ala. from 1981-1982.
After her stint with Houston Academy, Matthews went to the Deerfield Windsor School in Albany, Ga. where she served in the same positions from 1983-1987. She then chose to utilize here tennis skills and experience in the professional ranks. Matthews was named the head tennis professional at Pine Forest Racquet Club (Albany, Ga.), where she worked from 1989-2014.
Matthews continued her professional career at another club in the southwest Georgia area. From 2014-2016, she was the head tennis professional at Grand Island Country Club in Lee County.
Matthews received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Auburn University in 1980.
Albany State will host is first match on Wednesday, Feb. 15 when it hosts Agnes Scott College. The contest will begin at 4 p.m. at ASU West Campus.
This story was written by Stanley McCormick, the Director of Athletic Communications at Albany State University Athletics, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.