Matt Kavanaugh's first season with the Urban Knights began in January of 2017.
With the Urban Knights in 2018, Kavanaugh worked with head coach Dan McDermott to guide the team to a 24-25 overall record and sixth-place finish in the PacWest Conference standings. ART U swept Dixie State and Holy Names while also winning season series against Simpson, UH Hilo, and Hawaii Pacific. Additionally, three Knights were named to the All-PacWest Team including second baseman Elijah Smith, LHP Alex Fernandez, and RHP Chris Rost.
In 2017, ART U improved for what would end up being be the second time during a three-year span, finishing the year with a 20-30 overall record that featured a tie for sixth place in the PacWest Conference standings. The campaign was highlighted by a 4-3 win over No. 9 Azusa Pacific on Mar. 31 as well as RHP Jacob Green earning All-PacWest Second Team honors.
Kavanaugh started his prep career at De La Salle High School in Concord before graduating and spending time with four different teams while playing collegiately: University of the Pacific (2004), Butte Junior College (2005), SF State (2006-2008) and also competed in a summer league called the Marysville Gold Sox.
Kavanaugh then took his talents to the professional arena from 2008-2014. During that time, he played for the Reno Silver Sox (Nev.), Victoria Seals (British Columbia), Calgary Vipers (Alberta, Canada), Na Koa (Maui, Hawaii), Scottsdale Centennials (Ariz.), and the San Rafael Pacifics (Calif.).
After his playing days, he began his coaching career which included stints with Cal State East Bay and Los Medanos Junior College. For the next five years, he served as the head assistant coach at Clayton Valley Charter High School and also spent two years managing his former team, the San Rafael Pacifics.
