After spending the previous eight seasons as an assistant coach, Joe DiMattia was recently named the new head coach of the Cardinal High School girls’ basketball program.
DiMattia, who coached the Huskies junior varsity team and served as an assistant to the varsity, replaces Luke Kruse, who stepped down after guiding the Huskies to a 13-11 mark during the 2018-2019 season.
“I’m excited about getting the job,” DiMattia said. “We may have some bumps along the way, losing all five who started from last year, but with some key players coming off the bench for us last season, and the JV team being able to compete with most teams we faced last year, there is some serious potential. It will be nice to be able to put my own touch on the team.”
DiMattia’s familiarity with the program and his experience coaching the JV squad led to an easy hiring decision for Cardinal athletic director Jimmy Soltis.
“Joe has been the system for many years with success at the JV level,” Soltis said. “I wanted to give him the opportunity because he is qualified and has earned it.”
DiMattia will have a unique opportunity to coach many of the same girls in his new role as most will make the jump from JV to varsity.
Just one senior is expected on the roster next season.
“I am excited to see how Joe will run his program,” Soltis said. “Most JV coaches are not able to implement their philosophies fully into a program. With this opportunity, Joe will be able to learn more about himself as a coach. I am looking forward to his growth.”
