Toms River, NJ - Ocean County College Athletics mourns the passing of Margaret (Peggy) Graham Matthews. Peggy enjoyed an illustrious run as a coach for the OCC women’s soccer team. She helped steer the Vikings to a 69-9 record from 1994 to 1998, and was at the helm for three regional championships, with the team placing as high as third in the national tournament. With her guidance, the team won a sportsmanship award at the NJCAA national championships. Matthews’ coaching prowess did not go unrecognized by her peers: She was named Region 19 Coach of the Year and GSAC Coach of Year four times each, and was runner-up for NSCAA National Coach of the Year. She was also presented with the Shore Conference Officials Sportsmanship Award. Following her tenure with the Vikings, Matthews served as the head coach of the women’s soccer team at Rider University from 1999 until 2003, and two years during that stretch, the team reached the conference finals. Matthews also coached soccer and basketball at Monsignor Donovan High School and St. Joseph’s Grade School, and served as the head girls soccer coach at Manasquan High School. A Toms River resident, Matthews was 55 years old, and is survived by her two sons, Graham and Shamus.
Peggy's viewing will be held on Monday, January 7th at Colonial Funeral Home (2170 State Highway 88, Brick NJ) from 2-4 p.m., and 6-8 p.m. Her funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 8th at St. Joseph's Church (685 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ) at 11:15 a.m.
Peggy remained a friend and loyal supporter of OCC Athletics long past her coaching days for the Vikings. We will greatly miss her, and offer condolences to her family.