Southwest Baptist University Women's Basketball

Matt Bollant was announced as the head women's basketball coach on March 26th, 2026. He will begin his first season at the helm (2026-27).  “We are excited to add Coach Bollant to our Bearcat Family! The thing that jumps out about Coach Bollant is his desire to impact young people for Christ and his strong background of coaching success. We believe at SBU he will thrive doing both!” Sheehy said, “Matt’s family will be a blessing to the SBU community! It’s a great day to be a Bearcat!”     “I am so excited to be the head coach at Southwest Baptist University! I am humbled by this amazing opportunity.” Bollant said, “Clark Sheehy has a great vision for the women’s basketball program and cares so much about it. Dr. Melson was incredible in my talk with him, and I love his passion for what athletics can bring to this great University. I believe this program is a sleeping giant and God is going to do some great things on and off the court in our program”     Bollant had his greatest success while coaching at Division I Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) from 2007-12. There he posted an outstanding 148-19 record (.886) with five Horizon League Championships, four NCAA Tournament berths, and a Sweet 16 appearance. He was voted Horizon League Coach of the Year four times while at UWGB and coached three conference players of the year. While there his team went 95-5 (.950) in Horizon League play, the best winning percentage by any coach in the history of the league.     One of his most prestigious accomplishments was winning the Kay Vow Coach of the Year Award. This is presented annually to the Division I women’s head coach who embodies a winning spirit while displaying great character, on and off the court. Bollant was presented this award in 2011 after a 34-2 season, being the second coach ever to win this award.   Bollant becomes a Bearcat after two years at Bryan College where he successfully led them to two winning seasons and a National tournament berth. In his two-year stint as head coach, he posted a 35-19 record. He improved the teams’ conference record from 12-9 to 18-2 in his second season. He started his head coaching career at Bryan College from 2002-07 where he posted a record of 134-36 record and led them to three NAIA National Tournament berths and a sweet 16 appearance.     In between UWGB and returning to Bryan College, Bollant coached at University of Illinois (2012-17) and Eastern Illinois University (EIU) from 2017-2024. He led the Fighting Illini to an NIT berth in 2013 along with an All-American honorable mention. While in Champaign, he was named winner of the 2015 Kay Vow Heart of a Coach Award presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. During his time at EIU, Bollant coached seven 1st-team All-Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) players, an OVC Player of the year, and an OVC Freshman of the year.     He began his coaching career at Tigerton High School in Wisconsin, guiding its girls’ basketball team to a 63-10 record from 1994-97. He then moved to the college ranks, assisting Wisconsin native Kathi Bennett from 1997-2000 at the University of Evansville and assisting Bennett again from 2000-02 at Indiana University.     Bollant earned his bachelor’s degree at Winona State University in business education in 1994. He later earned a master’s degree in instructional technology from American Intercontinental University in 2006.     Bollant and his wife, Kari, have five daughters – Jo, Regan, Marita, Merari, and Flor.   Head Coaching Accomplishments: 475 Total Wins 12x Postseason Appearances 5x Conference Titles 5x Conference Coach of the Year 3x Regional Coach of the Year 8x Conference Player of the Year 7x NCAA All-American Awards 2024 UWGB Hall of Fame Inductee   Here is what others are saying about Coach Bollant:   “I’ve known Matt for a long time, and I’ve always respected the work he’s done and the relationships he’s built throughout his career. He brings a wealth of college coaching experience and has coached at the highest level, but just as importantly, he’s a great family man and a person of character. That’s the kind of person you want leading and building a program. Southwest Baptist is getting a good one.” – Dan Rolfes, Incarnate Word Women’s Head Coach, 15x Missouri State Champion, USA women’s U16 National Team Head Coach,   “Matt Bollant is a terrific basketball coach, and I am excited for him and his new position at Southwest Baptist. Not only does Matt have a great basketball mind, he is a person of high character. He has vast experience coaching women’s basketball and is a proven winner” – Kellie Harper, Missouri Head Women’s Basketball Coach   “Coach Bollant will bring not only a winning tradition to Southwest Baptist University, but also a heart for people. His faith-driven leadership and genuine care for others will build lasting relationships with local coaches, players, and the community—setting the foundation for something truly special” – Jim Pendergrass, HS State Champion Head Coach, SBU alumni   “Coach Bollant is an excellent hire and such a great fit for Southwest Baptist University. As my college coach, he was a fantastic leader, teacher of the game, and man of faith. I’m thankful for my time playing for him during which we enjoyed plenty of success on the court but also learned life lessons of hard work, accountability, and gratitude. The University and Bolivar community are in great hands with Coach Bollant” – Kayla Karius, Wisconsin Green Bay Head Coach  

Paityn Walker is entering her first season (2025-26) at the helm of the SBU Beach Volleyball team. Coach Walker played Division I beach volleyball at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) for all four seasons. She was not only a member of the team but a leader throughout her time there on and off the court. The EKU record for most career wins is held by Walker at 60. She was named preseason All-ASUN and postseason 2nd-Team All-ASUN her senior season.   While a member of the Colonels, Walker was selected as the EKU NCAA Woman of the Year nominee and nominated for EKU female athlete of the year. Walker was named sports performance athlete of the year her sophomore and senior seasons. Off the court, she was a leader and member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes all four years and a Student Athlete Advisory Committee member for three years, including president her senior year and vice president junior season.   "I can't wait to get to work, building a culture rooted in faith, accountability, and encouragement, where every athlete knows they are seen, valued, and challenged to grow not just in their sport, but in life. I will keep 1 Timothy 4:12 close to my heart as I step into this role. 'Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.' Go Bearcats!"   In the midst of being a prominent student-athlete at EKU, she was a coach/instructor at the 108 Beach Volleyball Club. There, Coach Walker built and encouraged athletes through drills, clinics, and lessons. As well, she spent time creating and instructing practice, camp, clinic, and private lesson plans.   She graduated from EKU as Magna Cum Laude with her degree in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in coaching.