The Ephrata Area School Board approved the hiring of Mr. Matthew Herbener as the new Ephrata Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at their April 22 meeting.
Mr. Herbener has been a Third Grade Teacher at Highland Elementary School since 2021 and is an EHS graduate. Previously, he was a Special Education Instructional Assistant in the Manheim Central School District. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Muhlenberg College and his elementary teaching certification from Millersville University.
The coaching philosophy of Mr. Herbener revolves around fostering a positive and supportive environment where players can grow not only as athletes but also as individuals. He believes in instilling values such as accountability, attitude, and trust. Mr. Herbener has previously served as the Boys Varsity Basketball Coach at Twin Valley School District and the Junior Varsity Baseball Coach at Manheim Central School District, where he also held various basketball coaching positions.
“As a current teacher in the District and someone who graduated from Ephrata, I know the positive impact sports can have on the lives of student athletes. Whether it's teaching the fundamentals, creating strategic game plans, or providing mentorship and guidance, I am committed to helping every athlete reach their full potential. My goal for every student athlete is to be a better version of themselves than when they started in the program. It is also my goal for the basketball program to make the community proud for years to come,” commented Mr. Herbener.
“Coach Herbener stands out for his ability to relate to and connect with student athletes. He is very focused on building a program that forges bonds and creates an environment where student athletes reach their full potential,” concluded Dr. Richard Hornberger Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education.”
