University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Women's Volleyball
Breitbarth, Matthew

Matthew Breitbarth
- Title:
- Volunteer Assistant Coach
UNI head coach Bobbi Petersen has announced the hiring of Matthew Breitbarth as the programs volunteer assistant coach.
"We are thrilled to add Matt to our coaching staff," said head coach Bobbi Petersen. "In terms of his abilities on the court, his accolades speak for themselves, but when talking with Matt and those that have worked with him, it was very obvious that he not only is a great player, but has a tremendous knowledge of the game, a desire to teach others, and the work ethic and passion to not only learn and grow, but also be a contributor. We are excited for Matt will bring to our team and program and we are looking forward to working with him over the next year."
Breitbarth is a 4 year member of the University of Illinois men's volleyball team (2016-20). As a member of the men's volleyball team, Illinois finished 5th at nationals in 2017 and finished second in 2019. Breitbarth earned First Team All-American honors in 2019 and was named the Big 10 Setter of the Year.
While participating on the Illinois men's volleyball team, Breitbarth also assisted the women's volleyball team as a male practice player from 2017-20. In the time Breitbarth assisted the women's volleyball team the Illini advanced to the 2017 NCAA Sweet 16 and made it all the way to the 2018 Final Four.
Breitbarth graduated from Illinois in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in advertising and communication. He is currently earning his master's degree in recreation sport and tourism with a sport concentration from the University of Illinois.
"We are thrilled to add Matt to our coaching staff," said head coach Bobbi Petersen. "In terms of his abilities on the court, his accolades speak for themselves, but when talking with Matt and those that have worked with him, it was very obvious that he not only is a great player, but has a tremendous knowledge of the game, a desire to teach others, and the work ethic and passion to not only learn and grow, but also be a contributor. We are excited for Matt will bring to our team and program and we are looking forward to working with him over the next year."
Breitbarth is a 4 year member of the University of Illinois men's volleyball team (2016-20). As a member of the men's volleyball team, Illinois finished 5th at nationals in 2017 and finished second in 2019. Breitbarth earned First Team All-American honors in 2019 and was named the Big 10 Setter of the Year.
While participating on the Illinois men's volleyball team, Breitbarth also assisted the women's volleyball team as a male practice player from 2017-20. In the time Breitbarth assisted the women's volleyball team the Illini advanced to the 2017 NCAA Sweet 16 and made it all the way to the 2018 Final Four.
Breitbarth graduated from Illinois in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in advertising and communication. He is currently earning his master's degree in recreation sport and tourism with a sport concentration from the University of Illinois.