Matt Kukoda fills in at coach as Holmdel girls basketball keeps rolling
HOLMDEL – Matt Kukoda did not expect to be coaching Holmdel’s girls basketball team at any point this season. And yet, Holmdel High School's principal has unexpectedly taken on a new role as the team's leader.
Kukoda was filling in for coach Darren Ault in Tuesday’s 65-38 victory against A Central foeTrinity Hall. Kukoda declined to comment on the reason for Ault’s absence but said he’s been coaching the team for the last few games.
Though it’s unclear if Ault will be returning this winter, what is known is that this is Kukoda’s team for now, and the Hornets’ expectations haven’t changed.
“I feel fortunate that I’m able to spend some time with them. I do in my role as high school principal, and now I just get to do it in a different manner,” Kukoda said. “They’re well prepared to do all the wonderful things that they’re going to do as a group. We’re just here to help guide them in any way we can.”
Past coaching experience
Kukoda has plenty of head coaching experience, albeit on the boys’ side. He coached New Egypt before accepting the job at Wall prior to the 2015 season. He compiled a 51-56 record in four seasons with the Crimson Knights, including a 19-8 campaign in 2015.
His wife, Lisa, has been the highly successful head coach at Manasquan for the last decade.
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As far as mid-season changes go, it’s been a fairly smooth transition.
“I’m very thankful for how welcoming they’ve been,” Kukoda said. “It’s a testament to who they are as kids and the families they come from.”
What surprised Kukoda the most about his new team was just how well-oiled of a machine they are even with the change.
“The most impressive component is how they stick together,” Kukoda said. “They have high intensity during practice, and they lift each other up during games.”
Holmdel (10-4) proved it hasn’t slowed down at all with Tuesday’s performance. The Hornets’ previous victory against Trinity Hall this year was a tight one against a reeling Monarch squad. This time, with a fully healthy Trinity Hall team, the Hornets blew by the promising Monarchs, taking a 32-19 lead into halftime.
“I think that every game we’re playing a lot harder and working towards our goals,” junior Alexandra Loucopoulos said. “It shows. We’re working a lot better together. We’ve had to make a big adjustment, but we’re just staying focused on what we want.”
Loucopoulos and senior Katherine Martini each scored 15 points in the game while Abbey Ferguson and Allison Cannon each chipped in 10 points.
Many questions still remain, but Holmdel has proven to be a resilient group under its new head coach.
“He’s always supportive, and he’s always there for us,” Loucopoulos said. “He’s also our principal so even throughout the school day, he’s looking out for us. He’s a great coach.”
Danny LoGiudice has covered local sports across New Jersey since 2014. Contact him at dlogiudice@gannettnj.com or @danny_logiudice on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Shore Conference girls basketball: Kukoda in at coach, Holmdel rolls
