Staff & Coaches

Director Marybeth Mathews

Bowdoin College Head Coach Emerita, Varsity Women’s Rugby

Following a successful career leading the Varsity Polar Bears to multiple conference and national titles, and advocating for the sport regionally and nationally, Coach Mathews retired in Summer 2023 after her 29th year coaching rugby at Bowdoin College.  Committed to the growth and support of girl’s and women’s rugby, she will remain active hosting Polar Bear Rugby Camp, the first camp in the US for girls and women.  Multiple contributions and recognitions as a player, coach and administrator over her 40+ year career led Mathews to be selected as one of eight women to receive the Inaugural Kathy Flores Lifetime Achievement Award for dedication and service to rugby. Mathews now serves on the Board of the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation.

Bowdoin’s Varsity Rugby program consistently graduates top leaders in their academic fields and turns out winning seasons on the pitch, including five New England Championships, bids to regional (2006, 2007, 2011 through 2017) and national championships (2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019).  Bowdoin Rugby has produced numerous high school and college coaches, referees, 14 Collegiate All-Americans, hundreds of All-Academics, and two USA National team members. Mathews and her husband/assistant coach Bob took the team on 7 international tours, once every four years.