Coach Matthew Dougherty is an accomplished and highly successful coach with nearly 20 years of experience leading championship-winning programs and developing elite student-athletes. His expertise spans Nordic skiing, biathlon, cross country, and track and field, and he has established himself as one of the most respected names in collegiate winter sports coaching.

Dougherty’s most notable accomplishments have come during his tenure at Paul Smith’s College, where he has built one of the most dominant collegiate Nordic ski and biathlon programs in the nation. Under his leadership, the Paul Smith’s Nordic Ski and Biathlon Teams have won more than 14 National Championships and achieved over 80 All-American awards. Both the men’s and women’s teams have stood on the national podium at NCAA Championship for three consecutive years, reflecting Dougherty’s consistency in building elite, well-rounded, and competitive teams.

In 2022, his leadership culminated in the Paul Smith’s team securing the overall College National Championship, a landmark achievement that solidified their standing as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate competition. Additionally, in 2024, Dougherty’s leadership and mentorship led the team to claim the US Biathlon Collegiate National Championship, further demonstrating his ability to build championship-winning programs across multiple disciplines.

Dougherty has also guided numerous athletes to represent the United States in both biathlon and Nordic combined. These accomplishments include competing at Olympic Trials, US National Championships, the US Biathlon Junior National Teams, Senior Development Teams, and the US Nordic Combined National Team. His athletes’ success on the national and international stage highlights his commitment to helping them achieve their highest potential both in sport and in life.

Coach Dougherty is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and character among his athletes. His proven ability to recruit, develop, and coach top-tier talent has cemented his reputation as a leader in collegiate winter sports. Dougherty remains focused on the continued growth and success of the Paul Smith's Nordic Ski and Biathlon programs, as well as maintaining the long-standing tradition of excellence in the marathon canoe program. His passion for building champions and shaping the lives of his athletes continues to define his career.