SWARTHMORE, Pa. - The Swarthmore College Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation is excited to announce the addition of two full-time assistant coaches to the Garnet staff, marking the department's 10th and 11th full-time assistant hires in the past four years.
Matt Rubayo (baseball) and Justus Perry (softball) have both been elevated to full-time assistants and enter their third seasons with their respective programs. Perry will also serve as the Coordinator of Recreation and Wellness, where she will help design, plan, organize, and execute a variety of recreation and wellness programs.
Rubayo made an immediate impact in his first two seasons on the baseball staff, helping guide the Garnet to a 24-18 overall record in 2025. Swarthmore secured the second seed in the Centennial Conference Tournament with a 14-4 mark in its return to the postseason.
Before arriving at Swarthmore, Rubayo worked at a private baseball development facility and coached a collegiate summer league team in Houston, where he focused on refining players skills and building competitive, growth-minded environments. At Swarthmore, Rubayo primarily works with the outfielders and plays a key role in the program's scouting, baserunning, and player development efforts. He also contributes across many aspects of the program, including recruiting, player mentorship, and game-day operations.
A former collegiate outfielder and five-year member of the Marist College baseball program, Rubayo earned both a bachelor's degree in Economics and a master's in Integrated Marketing Communications. Rubayo hit .354 with seven homers and 41 RBI in his final season with the Foxes.
"We are excited to welcome Matt as our first full-time assistant coach and recruiting coordinator," said head baseball coach Matt Midkiff. "Matt has already demonstrated an exceptional ability to identify and connect with student-athletes who align with Swarthmore's academic and athletic standards. His passion for the game and commitment to our program will elevate the experience of our current players while strengthening our future recruiting efforts."
"Matt brings a strong work ethic, a sharp baseball mind, and a genuine ability to develop meaningful relationships with players and recruits. His presence on staff has been, and will continue to be, a tremendous asset as we continue to build on our tradition of excellence both on the field and in the classroom."
Last season, Perry played a critical role in softball's postseason run, helping guide the team to its second Centennial Conference Championship. Softball set a program record for wins with a 33-12 overall mark and matched a program-best 15-1 record in the Centennial. The team also achieved its first national ranking in program history, earned six victories over nationally-ranked opponents and made its second NCAA Regionals appearance.
Perry joined the Garnet staff after spending one season as an assistant softball coach and assistant events coordinator at St. Catherine University. Prior to coaching, she put together an impressive collegiate softball career as a member of the nationally-ranked NCAA Division I Auburn University Tigers.
Perry played five seasons for the Tigers as a first baseman with 177 career starts in 211 games played. Perry batted .243 for her career with a .363 on-base percentage, 13 home runs and 83 RBI. Perry graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in both Law and Justice and Spanish with a minor in Psychology.
In 2024, Perry signed to play with the Hub City Adelitas, an expansion team in the Women's Professional Fastpitch League.
"I am thrilled that Justus is being promoted to a full-time assistant after two years of dedication to this team and our program," said head softball coach Melissa Finley. "She consistently makes those around her better, including myself, and this recognition is very well-deserved. I know that she will continue to bring her excellence to this role and continue to enrich the experience of our student-athletes."
