Reaching 450 career wins is no small feat in the world of collegiate basketball. For Bryan College Women's Head Coach Matt Bollant, the journey to this milestone has been one filled with challenges, triumphs, and plenty of life lessons. In this exclusive Q&A, Coach Bollant shares the pivotal moments, favorite wins, and guiding principles that have defined his coaching career.
Q: What is a moment where you saw the biggest growth in your career?
Coach Bollant: "At both Bryan and Green Bay, we won quickly, so the growth process there felt different. The real challenge came during my time at Eastern Illinois. Winning in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) didn't happen right away. It took us five years to have a season where we started 13-0 in the OVC. That journey taught me patience and resilience. It was a reminder that growth often comes in the struggle and the grind, not just the victories."
Q: What's the best piece of coaching advice you've received?
Coach Bollant: "There are a couple of quotes that have stuck with me over the years. One is from Dick Bennett: 'Find players you can lose with.' Of course, you're not trying to lose, but the point is to find good kids who you can share life with, no matter the outcome. Another piece of advice I coach by is: 'You're never as bad as you think you are after a loss, and you're never as good as you think you are after a win.' This perspective helps me stay grounded and focused on continuous improvement or get ahead of my self in the highs and lows."
Q: Do you have a favorite win from your career?
Coach Bollant: "One that stands out is beating Michigan State to get to the Sweet 16 during my time at Green Bay. That game was a turning point for the program and an unforgettable experience.
But I also have some other memorable ones. There's the 'eye patch game' against Seton Hall. I had the flu, which somehow spread to my eye, and I couldn't see, so I had to wear an eye patch. We were down 20 points with six minutes to go and came back to win. It was one of the most fun and improbable victories.
At Bryan, I'll always remember beating Milligan in the conference championship. We knew we had to win the tournament to secure our spot. The stress relief after that game was like nothing else. Another special moment was Brittany Swanson's Senior Day. She had been 0-8 all game, and we were down by two points. I drew up a three point play for her in the final seconds. It's hard to trust some players in those moments, but I knew she wanted that shot. She nailed it, and we won. Those are the moments that stick with you."
Q: What lessons or advice do you have for building culture within a team?
Coach Bollant: "Culture isn't about a catchy quote or a one-time lesson. It's about what you do day in and day out. Building a strong culture requires getting everyone on board and committed to the same vision. Good coaches work at it every single day. It's about consistency, accountability, and showing up for your players in ways that build trust and unity."
As Coach Bollant reflects on his career and the milestone of 450 wins, it's clear that his success is built on more than X's and O's. It's about relationships, perseverance, and a commitment to growth—both for himself and his players. Here's to the next 450, Coach!
