Conant tabs Walsh to lead boys basketball program
Matt Walsh has been named the new head boys basketball coach at Conant High School. Walsh, a 1993 Conant graduate, takes over the program from Jim Maley, who is stepping down after four years as the Cougars' head coach.
"We couldn't be more excited with the selection of Matt Walsh to lead our boys basketball program," said Conant Principal Julie Nowak. "He is a respected coach and leader within our school community, and relates with both student-athletes and parents alike. His enthusiasm for working with students and his energy on the basketball court and in classroom make him a perfect fit for this job."
Walsh spent the 2020-2021 season as the Cougars' boys sophomore coach, after serving as a boys varsity assistant coach for the 2016-2017 season. He previously coached all levels of boys basketball at Conant from 1998-2009.
Walsh was the head boys basketball coach at Schaumburg, coaching the Saxons from 2009-2014. His teams were three-time Mid-Suburban League West champions (2011, 2012, 2013), and two-time MSL champions (2012, 2013), while he received MSL West Coach of the Year honors (2012, 2013). His Saxon squads also were regional champions and sectional finalists (2010, 2011, 2012), and he was twice named Illinois Basketball Coaches Association District 4 Coach of the Year (2011, 2012).
"Matt Walsh is a true Conant Cougar," commented Conant athletic director John Kane. "He graduated from CHS, playing for and coaching with Hall of Fame coach Tom McCormack, and then went on to coach here for 15 years at every level from feeder teams to freshman to sophomore to varsity assistant and now head coach.
"Matt is a natural leader and coach. It's great to see him get this opportunity as head coach at his alma mater, and I look forward to seeing where he will take our program."
Walsh earned his bachelor's degree in history from Dominican University in 1997. He also received his master's degree from Dominican in special education in 1999.
During his playing career at Conant, Walsh was captain and the team's most valuable player, while earning MSL all-conference honors and being named to the Daily Herald All-Area team.
Maley had a 41-58 record in his four seasons.