Head Coach
Matt Lee
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- Email:
- leemc@herkimer.edu
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- Year:
- 22nd
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- Title:
- Head Coach
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- Phone:
- (315) 866-0300 ext. 8344
Bio
Head Coach: Matt Lee
Men’s Basketball | 22nd Season (2025–26)
Matt Lee, a 1999 Herkimer College graduate and former Generals standout, returned to his alma mater in 2003 to take over as head coach of the men’s basketball program. Now in his 22nd season, Lee has built Herkimer into one of the most respected and successful NJCAA Division III programs in the country where he also serves a key role as Assistant Athletic Director.
In 2024–25, Lee guided the Generals to their 11th NJCAA National Tournament appearance under his leadership— marking back-to-back national championship game appearances in 2023–24 and 2024–25. He’s led Herkimer to three of its four all-time national title game appearances, including a historic run to the 2019 NJCAA Division III National Championship. That year, the Generals went 31–1, finished on a 28-game win streak, and Lee was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year.
Since taking the helm in 2003, Coach Lee has compiled a career record of 521–143, earning:
• 8 Region III Championships (2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024)
• 12 regional finals appearances
• 10 Mountain Valley Conference titles
• 9 NJCAA All-Americans coached
• 4 NJCAA National Final Four finishes (including two national runner-ups)
In addition to the 2019 National Coach of the Year honor, Lee has received numerous accolades throughout his career:
• Region III Coach of the Year (2007, 2010, 2024)
• Mountain Valley Coach of the Year (2009, 2010)
• BCANY NY State Men’s Junior College Coach of the Year (2010)
• CCBNY Junior College Coach of the Year (2017)
• SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service (2007)
Before Herkimer, Lee coached under legendary head coach Tom Murphy at Hamilton College, leading the JV team and assisting with varsity. He also served as Hamilton’s head golf coach. His coaching experience spans varsity basketball at Whitesboro High School, JV baseball at Holland Patent High School, and tournament coaching in the prestigious Zebra Classic.
Lee was an All-State athlete at Holland Patent High School, where he scored over 800 points and grabbed more than 800 rebounds as a four-year varsity starter.
He lives in Utica, NY, with his wife Kim and their children: daughter Jordan, and sons Matthew and Jaydan.