WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Christina Matthews has announced that she will be stepping down from her position as the Sailfish head beach volleyball coach. Matthews chose to resign from the position to focus on spending time with her family, having just given birth to a daughter in September. 
 
"I am so grateful for my time at PBA, but after much thought and prayer, I have decided to step down," Matthews said. "After being home with our beautiful daughter, Remington Autumn, for the last two months, my husband and I have decided that this decision is what is best for our growing family. I will forever support PBA athletics and love the Sandy Sailfish!"
 
Matthews, a two-time AVCA 30-Under-30 honoree, was the first head coach of PBA's beach volleyball program. She was hired in 2018 and led the team through its first year of competition in 2020. The Sailfish experienced success on the court immediately. Matthews recorded a 67-37 overall record as head coach in four seasons.
 
"I want to thank Christina for accepting God's call to lead our beach volleyball program through its inception and coach the team throughout the last four seasons," PBA Director of Athletics Courtney Lovely Evans said. "I pray God's richest blessings upon her and her husband as they care for their newborn daughter. I wish Christina the best as she follows God's next right step for her and her family."
 
The program is currently coming off back-to-back 20-win seasons. The Sailfish finished fourth at the AVCA small college championship in 2023 after winning the silver bracket in 2022. Another notable moment for the program includes defeating No. 20-ranked Florida Gulf Coast 3-2 in just her second season.
 
Matthews' connection to Palm Beach Atlantic runs deep. She graduated from PBA in 2014 after a standout indoor volleyball career. She registered over 900 kills and 300 blocks in her four seasons while helping the 'Fish qualify for the NCAA Tournament in 2012 and 2013. She finished her career as an AVCA All-American in her senior season.
 
The Sailfish beach volleyball team will be led by Brittany Tiegs and Casey Curran for the 2024 season.