Matthew James opens his second season as an assistant coach for the Wolves in the fall of 2026. James joined the Wolves as an assistant coach, following a stint with Hastings College and the Hastings Soccer Club.
Northern finished 6-9-4 overall and 6-5-4 in the NSIC in the fall of 2025. Lauren Youngquist and Chloe Voss grabbed NSIC All-Conference second team honors and were both named to the CSC Academic All-District team. In addition, the Wolves qualified for the NSIC Tournament as the seventh seed.
As a graduate assistant for the Broncos, James worked in all aspects of the program including skill instruction, recruiting, community involvement, and academics. Hastings College won back-to-back GPAC Championships in 2023 and 2024, qualifying for the NAIA National Tournament. In addition, the program tallied 21 all-conference selections and one All-American.
James served as the head coach for the Hastings Soccer Club in 2023 and 2024, providing skill instruction to kids ages 8-12. In addition, he managed the game scheduling and practice planning for the U8, U10, and U12 programs. James holds a National D License, a USSF "C" license, and is registered Level 1 in Talent Identification with the Football Association and Level 1 in Opposition Analysis with the Professional Football Scouting Association.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science and master’s degree in teaching physical education and health from Hastings College. In addition, James holds an associate’s degree in health and physical education from Southeastern Community College. He played collegiately for Southeastern and Hastings, earning all-conference honors in one season. James was a team captain for both squads and made two national tournament appearances at Hastings following GPAC regular season and tournament championships.
