Matt Friend was named Assistant Director of Sport Performance in October 2018 and is in his fourth year on The Hilltop.
A 2015 graduate of nearby Eureka College, Friend earned bachelor of science degree in biology with a chemistry minor. A three-year starter for the Red Devil’s football team and 2014 captain, Friend spent the three years prior to coming to Bradley as Head Strength and Conditioning and Assistant Football Coach it his alma mater.
During his time at Eureka, he helped develop programs which produced five All-Americans, six all-region performers and more than 50 all-conference performers. A N.S.C.A certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Friend oversaw the strength and conditioning programs for 12 sports.
Friend also implemented the first Strength & Conditioning internship program at Eureka College in addition to establishing a “Fuel Zone” to assist student-athletes with their nutritional needs.
Among the highlights during his tenure at Eureka included the first NCAA football appearance in school history (2017) along with the first NCAA Tournament appearance in women’s basketball for the Red Devils during the 2016-17 campaign in which he also served as an assistant coach. The 2016-17 women’s basketball team also claimed conference regular-season and tournament titles.