I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am Emily Mathews, and it is a great pleasure and honor to be named as the Head Coach of the Lincoln East Girls Soccer program.  I take on this responsibility with pride and humility. I am truly excited to continue to build a program of excellence. A program that allows student athletes to grow as soccer players, compete at the highest level, learn many of life’s lessons, and enjoy the beautiful game.

I am a proud graduate of the East soccer program.  During my four years in this program, I had the honor of being part of a team that made four straight state finals, including winning back to back state championships in 2004 and 2005. I look forward to continuing the East girls soccer legacy of success. Part of who I am as a coach today stems from the privilege of playing for several impactful coaches both at the club and high school levels.  

I am an East High person through and through.  I graduated from East High in 2006, then came back as a Varsity assistant in 2009.  After graduating from the University of Nebraska, I became a teacher at East High in 2011.  After 5 years as an assistant Varsity coach, I took over as the JV head coach, and have continued with that position until named as the program head coach. 

In my free time I enjoy being outside, walking, biking, and watching plenty of soccer.  My favorite professional teams to follow are Arsenal, Barcelona, and Minnesota United.  I am also a proud fan and follower of both the US Women's and Men's National teams! 

I have been involved with the LEGS program for 10 years now. I had the pleasure of playing for Lincoln East during my high school days, and will be entering my 8th year of coaching this 2020 season. I have served the LEGS program as both the head JV coach and assistant varsity coach. I also love being involved with Lincoln East Athletics through leading Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I continued my soccer career at Nebraska Wesleyan, where I fine tuned my skills as a defender and midfielder. During the work day, I serve the Lincoln community as a Physical Therapist at Lincoln Orthopedic Physical Therapy. I am married to my husband, Brett, and we enjoy being active in outdoor activities and being involved at our local church (Citylight).

This will be my first year coaching Reserve Soccer. I am a graduate from Yankton High School in Yankton, South Dakota. I lettered in football, track, band, and theater; we did not have high school soccer or baseball, but I competed in those sports as well. I was a 3-time state champion in soccer for my age group, playing defender and midfield, and my love of the sport has never waned.

My first coaching gig was as a middle school track coach, where I coached sprinters. I then coached flag football before moving on to coach Reserve Girls Basketball at North Star. I have coached my own daughters in softball and soccer, so I have had the opportunity to work with many different ages of athletes. 

My wife, Angela, and I have 3 daughters, aged 15, 12, and 8. We love the outdoors and being active, and for the past 2 years we have trained for and competed in Spartan Race obstacle courses.  

I have been with the LEGS program since 2007, first as a varsity assistant, then as a JV assistant, and I am excited to continue in the program. 

I graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in Chippewa Falls, WI and moved to Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska.

During my soccer career, I primarily played center midfielder.  Over the years I have been a referee, and also attained a USSF E coaching license.

On the weekends you can usually find Coach Mathews and I watching our favorite teams, Arsenal and Minnesota United.

I'm very excited to help with the continued excellence of the LEGS program, and look forward to working with and meeting everyone!

I was born and raised in Lincoln and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where I double-majored in Spanish and Sports Management. Because I have always called Lincoln home, I'm one of those people you can’t take anywhere because I will know everyone. I love golfing, hiking, biking, sitting by the pool, and just being outside so I can recharge.

FUN FACTS

• I lived in Spain for six months and can still speak Spanish fluently.

• I’m a Disney movie junkie, and that won’t ever change. Bring on Mary Poppins or The Little Mermaid!

• I get a stamp on my passport once a year—no negotiations.

I was born and raised in North Platte, Nebraska.  In my high school years I played volleyball, basketball, swam, soccer, and was involved in many other extracurricular activities.  I moved to Lincoln 6 years ago to attend the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and have called Lincoln home ever since. I graduated from UNL with a degree in psychology.  I then went on to get my teaching certificate and a masters in elementary education.  I now spend my work week teaching 5th grade at Lakeview Elementary School.  

During my soccer career I played mostly defender.  I have been playing soccer ever since I can remember, including club teams, 4 years in high school, and various leagues in college. My love for soccer has given me several other opportunities as well.  During college I worked for Happy Feet, a program that allowed me to coach young children (ages 3-6) the basics of soccer. I have also been a volunteer coach- helping with high school soccer camps, and summer leagues in North Platte.  My coaching career has really taken off this year as I was the Lincoln East freshman volleyball coach!  I have worked with many ages of athletes over the years, and I am excited to get to know everyone and get started with the LEGS program!