Ringgold: Former Derry coach Matt Regula excited to lead girls team
By JEREMY SELLEW
jsellew@yourmvi.com
Matt Regula attended Mon Valley Independent Summer Basketball League games in an effort to watch some of the girls representing teams he was interested in applying for their coaching jobs.
Then he listened as Ringgold athletic director and Serra Catholic great Laura Grimm provided color commentary on the MVI Live livestreams of the games.
“When Laura was brought on and I listened to how she viewed the game, it’s similar to the way I view the game,” Regula said. “Knowing the AD has coaching experience and feels the same way I do about the game, it’s something else that was another plus to entice me to apply for the job.”
Regula applied for the job and was hired Wednesday to replace Lindsy Muchnock, who resigned after gaining employment in Maryland.
“I was going to the summer league and I started watching some of the Ringgold girls play,” Regula said. “I started paying more attention and saw some things I liked and caught interest in. There was clearly a bond between the upperclassmen and some of the underclassmen in the league.”
Kirra Gerard, who played for league champion AMD Industries, was one player Regula kept his eye on.
“She got to hoist the trophy and there were some Ringgold teammates that stayed to watch. They hung around to congratulate her after the game, too,” Regula said. “That’s something small that showed me the character these girls have.”
Regula, 29, served as an assistant coach for the Derry girls team before stepping into the head job in 2018-19. He also spent an offseason working with the Derry boys team.
Last season, he said he did some scouting for a coaching friend.
“I’m extremely excited to come in and become a part of the community and culture at Ringgold,” Regula said. “I just hope everyone there will be warm and welcoming.”
Regula lives in Blairsville, but travels to the area for work, so his commute isn’t as out of the way as it seems.
“Even though I live an hour away, I’m in the area for work. I’ve played against teams from the Mon Valley and now, being there in the summer and seeing it, I’m glad to be able to be coaching in the area.”
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