Marymount’s new head women’s basketball coach has local roots

As a college assistant, Claire Mattox coached at schools throughout the country for a number of years.

Now, as a first-time head coach, Mattox has returned home to Arlington, where she recently was named the new head women’s basketball coach at Division III Marymount University . She is the fifth coach in program history.

“Claire brings a wealth of experience across various levels of the game,” said Ryan Wildenhain, Marymount’s associate athletics director for student-athlete development. “She stood out for providing a holistic student-athlete experience and a strong commitment to upholding and enhancing the Marymount tradition of success.”

Mattox joins Marymount after previously spending two seasons as an assistant coach at nearby Division I American University in D.C.

Prior to that, Mattox was an assistant at Division I Cornell University, spent three years as an assistant at Division III Vassar College and two seasons at the University of Saint Mary, and NAIA program in Kansas.

“I am honored to join Marymount,” Mattox said. “This program has a strong tradition of excellence. I am eager to work with our talented student-athletes to build a bright future together and continue that legacy.”

As a college basketball player, Mattox was a four-year letter winner at Washington College in Maryland. She was selected as a team captain her senior year and earned a spot on the 2012 All-Centennial Conference Sportsmanship Team.

She played in 98 career games at Washington College , where she also was a standout for the women’s softball team for three seasons (.302 career hitter).

In high school, Mattox was a three-sport standout in basketball, field hockey and softball at Potomac School in McLean. She was a two-year all-league player in basketball and twice was chosen first-team all-state in softball.

“I remember Claire very well,” former Potomac School softball coach Brian Parry said. “She was a great athlete and a very good hitter and middle infielder for us, and a super person.”