Nicole Matysik was a three-time SoCon steeplechase champion at Furman.
Former Furman Standout To Help Lead Bears As Assistant Coach
California cross country and track & field have announced the addition of Nicole Matysik to their staffs as an assistant coach, with the Furman graduate set to aid in the development of the Golden Bears’ distance runners starting in fall 2025.
“We’re very excited to add Nicole to the staff,” said cross country head coach Bobby Lockhart. “As we continue to strengthen and build the program, it was important to find a candidate that operates with the tenacity that Nicole displayed throughout the hiring process. Her skillset is vast and her knowledge and methods of understanding athletes and training is beyond her years. She truly is a wonderful addition and we’re happy that she’s joining the team.”
“It’s a very exciting time for us to be able to add Nicole to our coaching staff,” said Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Robyne Johnson. “I’m looking forward to seeing the growth of our men’s and women’s distance group with her on our team.”
Matysik ran for the Paladins’ cross country and track & field teams from 2019-25, earning 11 combined All-Southern Conference (SoCon) honors, three conference steeplechase titles (2022, 24-25) and two SoCon indoor titles in the distance medley relay (2021-22). She also earned SoCon medals in the indoor mile (2024 – silver; 2020 – bronze) and outdoor 1500m (2025 – bronze).
Matysik is a native of Key West, Florida, and attended Key West High School from 2015-19, where she was a three-time Florida State runner-up in cross country as well as the All-Monroe County Runner of the Year for both cross country and track in all four years. She also competed at both the indoor and outdoor U18 Polish Championships in 2018, finishing among the top-eight 3000m runners each time.
“I’m beyond thrilled to kick off my coaching career at Cal, a program with a powerful legacy of excellence and grit,” Matysik said. “It’s an honor to join a university that sets the bar high, and I’m ready to help push it even higher. I can’t wait to work with a team that matches my competitive fire and shares my passion for hard work, relentless development and chasing greatness every day. I believe deeply in the direction this…
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