California’s cross country and track & field teams have announced the appointment of Nicole Matysik as an assistant coach. The Furman graduate will join the Golden Bears’ staff to help develop their distance runners starting in fall 2025.
“We’re very excited to add Nicole to the staff,” said Bobby Lockhart, head coach of cross country. “As we continue to strengthen and build the program, it was important to find a candidate that operates with the tenacity that Nicole displayed throughout the hiring process. Her skillset is vast and her knowledge and methods of understanding athletes and training is beyond her years. She truly is a wonderful addition and we’re happy that she’s joining the team.”
Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Robyne Johnson also expressed enthusiasm about Matysik’s addition: “It’s a very exciting time for us to be able to add Nicole to our coaching staff. I’m looking forward to seeing the growth of our men’s and women’s distance group with her on our team.”
Matysik competed for Furman’s cross country and track & field teams from 2019-25, achieving 11 All-Southern Conference honors, three conference steeplechase titles (2022, 24-25), and two SoCon indoor titles in the distance medley relay (2021-22). She also earned medals in the indoor mile (2024 – silver; 2020 – bronze) and outdoor 1500m (2025 – bronze).
Originally from Key West, Florida, Matysik attended Key West High School from 2015-19. There she was a three-time Florida State runner-up in cross country and was named All-Monroe County Runner of the Year for both cross country and track all four years. She also participated in both indoor and outdoor U18 Polish Championships in 2018.
“I’m beyond thrilled to kick off my coaching career at Cal, a program with a powerful legacy of excellence and grit,” Matysik stated. “It’s an honor to join a university that sets the bar high, and I’m ready to help push it even higher. I can’t wait to work with a team that matches my competitive fire and shares my passion for hard work, relentless development, and chasing greatness every day. I believe deeply in the direction this program is heading, and I’m so grateful to be part of something this special.”
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