Junior high science teacher  Matthew Sheffield proudly holds the titles of Luverne High School (LHS) junior varsity baseball head coach, varsity baseball assistant coach, and varsity football linebacker coach. 

Schofield is a 2015 graduate of Georgiana High School who earned his bachelor’s degree in general science and education from Auburn University at Montgomery, after which he dove headfirst into his coaching career. 

The teacher and coach said he wasn’t always sure that education would be his chosen career path, but reflection on the guidance he received from his high school football coaches led him to the realization that had the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others.

“Ezell Powell, Jimmy Burleson, and Mickey Jacobs were my football coaches during my junior and senior seasons,” Sheffield said. “They helped mold me into a better young man and ultimately influenced me to want to pursue education. Coach Powell even offered me my first coaching gig. I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the opportunity to be in the position I am, with an incredible opportunity to impact these young men in more ways than one.”

Sheffield is now entering his seventh season as a football coach, and his fifth season as a baseball coach. His coaching career began in Georgiana where he was a defensive coordinator for the Panther football team as well as head baseball coach. Three years later, Sheffield was presented with the opportunity to transfer to Luverne where he has since remained.

Former LHS assistant coach junior varsity baseball team, Hayden Mayes, praised Sheffield’s ability to bring athletes closer together. 

“From the first day Sheffield and I coached together he made everyone feel very welcome,” Mayes said. “He’s a great teacher and a great coach. He made great connections with the kids, and immediately made the team’s chemistry stronger. He’s an asset to whatever team he leads, and Luverne is lucky to have him.”

Sheffield says he is honored to continue his coaching career at Luverne and has high hopes for Tiger athletics during the 2023-2024 season. 

“I am extremely grateful to the Luverne community and Luverne High School for the opportunity to lead your kids on and off the field,” Sheffield expressed. “It is a pleasure to have them in my life. I’m gaining a lot of knowledge and molding my coaching philosophies under coaches Ed Rigby and Greg Evans who lead our baseball and football programs. It’s great to be a part of the Tiger family and I am extremely excited to see this year’s teams perform.”