Knab enters his second season as an assistant coach after a prolific playing career at Messiah University. Knab certainly had a successful season in his first, helping coach the Bisons to a 21-8 record, 14-2 in ASUN play, which included a trip to the ASUN Championship Final for the 11th time in program history.
Knab commented on his new position, saying, "I am beyond grateful for the opportunity that lies ahead. Early this year, I received a phone call from Head Coach Brandon Rosenthal, who started the process of coming on staff. Each step of the way, I became more and more confident that this was where I wanted to be. From the talented team to their culture, I am very excited about joining the Lipscomb community. Amazingly, everyone I interacted with during the process was so welcoming. They made it feel like I had already been there for multiple years, even though I had just met them. I am very thankful for the volleyball program and athletic department. Coach Rosenthal and Athletic Director Phillip Hutchesons showed immense hospitality and showed what Lipscomb athletics is all about. I am thankful for their work getting me to join a fantastic program."
Knab comes to Nashville after a two-year stint as the assistant at Dickinson College, where he helped lead the Red Devils to its first conference playoff appearance in 14 seasons.
"We are extremely excited about the addition of Matt Knab. Coming off a stellar playing career at Messiah College where he just competed in the Final Four." The Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania native had an extensive playing career at Messiah University, where he played for four years and was the starting setter from 2019-22. As a Falcon, he racked up numerous accolades, including being named a 3x AVCA All-American, 1x AVCA DIII National Player of the Week, 3x AVCA All-Region, All-Conference 1st Team, 2021 Conference Player of the Year, 2021 MAC Tournament MVP.
He was also a MAC Conference Champion, reached the NCAA Elite 8 in 2021 and the NCAA Final Four Appearance in 2023, and was a Conference Senior Scholar Athlete in 202.
Rosenthal said, "I have gotten to know Matt over the past couple of years after his introduction by Justin Beachy, his coach at Messiah. Justin is a former Assistant Coach of LUV and has excellent insight into what it takes to be a successful coach at the collegiate level. Years ago, Justin reached out to me to put Matt on my radar as he saw Matt as a potential coaching candidate for us in the future. Through the years, I have been impressed with Matt's maturity and curiosity regarding the coaching profession. He will add another element to an incredible staff. Matt has been a tremendous talent on the court, capping his playing career off with a record-breaking season. His eagerness to learn and teach is contagious, and I do not doubt that he will bring a level of energy to this program that is truly exciting.
Rosenthal concluded by saying, "Matt is a fantastic leader and is very well respected among his peers, and I have no doubt he will have a tremendous coaching career. Matt is a focused individual who knows how to win and overcome challenges that will aid in the early stages of his coaching career. I am very excited to have Matt in our program and am confident that his experience will continue to help the LUV program."
