Cornerstone University announced today the hiring of Katie (Feenstra) Mattera as the school's new Head Women's Basketball Coach. Mattera replaces Carla Fles who coached 13 years at Cornerstone before retiring after this past season.
The 29-year-old Mattera begins her coaching career after an eight-year career in professional basketball, including five years in the WNBA.
"First and foremost, Katie brings to Cornerstone a love for Jesus Christ and a passionate desire to mentor and develop young women as followers of Christ," said Dave Grube, Director of Athletics at Cornerstone. "Beyond that, her experiences at the highest levels of women's basketball will provide us with outstanding player recruitment, development and a blueprint for championship teams. I am confident that Katie will continue the winning tradition at Cornerstone University."
After graduating from Grand Rapids Baptist Academy (now Northpointe Christian High School), Katie Feenstra starred at Liberty University for four years - earning All-American honors and setting school records for blocks and field goal percentage. She led the Flames to the Sweet Sixteen of the 2005 NCAA Women's Basketball tournament before being selected in the first round of the the 2005 WNBA draft. She made the WNBA All-Rookie team and played with four WNBA teams including the Detroit Shock in 2007. Most recently, she completed her pro career in China.
"I have had the privilege of being a player under some of the best coaches in women's basketball during the past few years," said Mattera. "I am thrilled to be bringing my professional experience and knowledge to Cornerstone and look forward to this challenge."
Mattera inherits three returning starters, nine letter winners and five new recruits from last year's Cornerstone team that finished 18-13 overall and 11-7 in the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC). Fles retired as the CU's all-time winning coach and never had a losing season during her tenure.
"Cornerstone offers a fabulous opportunity for me with the incredible program that has been built by Coach Fles," added Mattera. "Best of all, it gives me the opportunity to both mentor and train young student-athletes. I am so excited to use the experiences that God has blessed me with in my career to benefit others.
Feenstra married Todd Mattera on November 8, 2008.
Cornerstone is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and was recently honored as the NAIA's 2012 Champions of Character top institution. Champions of Character promotes Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership and Sportsmanship in athletics.
Katie Feenstra's collegiate and professional playing record
Pro
- 2011-12 : playing with Zhejiang (China Pro League)
- 2010-11 : played with Henan Yuguang (China Pro League)
- 2009-10 : played with Henan Yuguang (China Pro League)
- 2009 : played with San Antonio (WNBA)
- 2008 : played with Atlanta (WNBA) - Stats : 14 mpg + 3.9 rpg + 6.7 ppg
- 2007 : played with Detroit (WNBA) - Stats : 13.1 mpg + 4.9 rpg + 5.2 ppg
- 2006 : played with San Antonio (WNBA) - Stats : 18.7 mpg + 6.2 rpg + 7.8 ppg
- 2005 : played with San Antonio (WNBA) - Stats : 19.8 mpg + 5.2 rpg + 8.8 ppg
College
Liberty University (2005)
Stats : 17.8 ppg + 10.5 rpg + 25.8 mpg
AP All-American Honorable Mention (2004)
Kodak/WBCA All-America Region II Team (2004)
Big South Women's Athlete of the Year (2004)
Big South Player of the Year (2005, 2004, 2003)
All-Big South First Team (2005, 2004, 2003)
Big South All-Rookie Team (2002)
Big South Tournament MVP (2004)
Big South All-Tournament Team (2004, 2003, 2002)
All-time Liberty and Big South leader in career blocks (246) and field goal percentage (.624)
