Softball |
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| Coach | |
| Head Softball Coach, Mark Mattson | |
| Phone: (701) 671-2449 or e-mail |  Head Softball Coach Mark Mattson |
| Mark Mattson enters his first season as Head Softball Coach at NDSCS during the fall of 2008. Mattson began his duties at NDSCS August 15, 2008. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to establish a brand new program and everything that comes with it.” Mattson noted. “It’s always been a dream of mine to have the chance to start a new tradition.” | |
| Mattson spent last season as the assistant softball coach at Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina. He worked with the Bulldogs primarily as the pitching and hitting coach. The pitching staff posted a 2.30 ERA cumulatively and were led by All Region pitcher Brittany Blankenship with a 1.70 ERA as a Freshman. Mattson helped boost the Wingate home run output and establish patience with the Bulldog hitters. The team posted a 31-17 record and had a strong second half of the season sweeping the #2 ranked team in the country and defeating four other top 25 teams along the way. Mattson was also heavily involved in recruiting for the Bulldogs. Wingate is a NCAA Division II member. | |
| Mattson coached the previous three seasons at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado (NCAA Division II). He was the pitching coach and the outfield and hitting coach at ASC. In addition, Mattson implemented weight training and conditioning regimens. He also helped bring in the 2008 Division II Player of the Year, Heather Ebert to play shortstop for the Grizzlies in 2006. ASC broke many team records, posting a 10-game increase in wins during his first season. The Grizzlies averaged 59 home runs a season and qualified for the conference tourney for the first time in seven years during Mattson’s tenure. | |
| Mattson has an impressive resume as both a coach and a player. A native of West Fargo, N.D., Mattson’s father and grandfather were both successful fast-pitch softball pitchers. Mattson grew up in a fast-pitch softball environment, as he started playing competitively at 12 years old. He played for the DMS Knights of Fargo, winning a national championship in 1998. | |
| His previous coaching stops include two seasons each at NAIA Mayville State (N.D.) University and NCAA Division I progam Middle Tennessee State. The season before Mattson’s arrival at Mayville State, the softball team won one game. Two years later, the Comets established a school record with 30 victories. Mattson also spent one season as assistant men’s basketball coach at Mayville State. | |
| While at MTSU, Mattson helped the Blue Raiders win the 2000 regular season and tournament championships in the Ohio Valley Conference. Middle Tennessee State advanced to the NCAA Division I play-offs, falling to perennial powerhouse the University of Arizona. The Arizona Wildcats were led by 2004 Olympic gold medalist Jenny Finch. | |
| Mattson was the runner-up for North Dakota’s Mr. Basketball Award his senior year at West Fargo High School. He played basketball two seasons each at Casper (Wyo.) College and South Atlantic Conference member Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) University. | |
| While at Casper, Mattson set school records for most three-point baskets in a career and in a season. At LMU, he scored 38 points in a game and established a school record for three-pointers in a game with nine. Mattson graduated from LMU in 1997 with a bachelor of science degree in physical education. | |
| “I have been around softball my entire life,” Mattson noted. “I am very passionate about fast-pitch softball. I am looking forward to working with President Richman and Athletic Director Jane Passa towards starting a new tradition at NDSCS. | |
| Mark Mattson and his fiancé Barbara reside in Wahpeton. Barbara is the Head Softball Coach at Wyndmere HS and will be assisting with the Wildcats next season as well. Mark and Barbara have a son, Miken. | |
| Softball Assistant |  Barbie Mower |
