Delaware State University welcomed Matthew “Matt” Crenshaw to the Women’s Basketball coaching staff in September 2025, bringing nearly 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, elite player-development expertise, and a distinguished legacy as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in IUPUI history.
Crenshaw joins DSU following an impactful coaching career at both IUPUI and Ball State University, highlighted by his tenure as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at IUPUI from 2021–2024. Before taking over the program, he spent 13 seasons on the IUPUI sidelines—including one volunteer season prior to his official appointment—serving in roles ranging from assistant coach to associate head coach. During that time, he established himself as a premier teacher of the game, a strategist, and a leader in student-athlete development.
Prior to returning to IUPUI as head coach, Crenshaw spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Ball State, where he helped guide the Cardinals to significant achievements, including the top scoring defense in the Mid-American Conference (2019–20) and a MAC West Division championship. He played a central role in the development of standout guards such as Tayler Persons, Ishmael El-Amin, K.J. Walton, and 2019–20 MAC Freshman of the Year Jarron Coleman. His responsibilities also included recruiting, scouting, academic oversight, and the implementation of program identity and culture.
Over his 16 total seasons at IUPUI—including three as head coach—Crenshaw contributed to some of the most memorable chapters in program history. He played a key role in the Jaguars’ 26–7 season in 2007–08, coached the program’s first NBA Draft pick, and helped lead the team to its first postseason tournament victory in the 2010 College Basketball Invitational. Throughout his tenure, he coached 15 all-league performers, multiple all-district honorees, three Mid-Major All-Americans, and a CoSIDA Academic All-American.
Crenshaw is also deeply engaged in leadership development within the coaching profession. He is a member of the NABC Mentor Circle (2023), a graduate of the NCAA Ethics Coalition Coaches Academy (2016), and was selected in 2013 for the prestigious NCAA Achieving Coaching Excellence (ACE) Program, which emphasizes leadership, communication, and program management. His commitment to academic support, community engagement, and student-athlete well-being has been consistent throughout his career.
A native of Virginia, Crenshaw is one of the most decorated players in IUPUI basketball history. He is a two-time inductee into the IUPUI Hall of Fame—once as an individual and once as a member of the 2003 NCAA Tournament team. His legacy was further distinguished when he became one of only three basketball players in program history to have their jersey retired, recognizing the extraordinary impact he made on the program.
As a student-athlete, Crenshaw earned national recognition for his game-winning shot in the 2003 Mid-Continent Conference championship game, securing IUPUI’s first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. He finished his collegiate career as the Mid-Con Defensive Player of the Year, the school’s all-time assists leader, and one of the most complete guards to ever wear the Jaguars uniform.
After graduation, Crenshaw played professionally in the ABA, Slovakia, and Poland. He led his Slovakian team to a national championship, earned Playoff MVP honors, and was named both Import Player of the Year and First Team All-Slovakian League by Eurobasket.com.
At Delaware State University, Crenshaw brings a proven record of competitive excellence and a comprehensive ability to teach both offensive and defensive schemes and philosophies at a high level. His nearly two decades of experience, leadership, and commitment to student-athlete development will play an integral role in the continued growth and competitiveness of the Hornets Women’s Basketball program.
