MATTAPOISETT — At just 24 years old in 2004, Matt Trahan took on the role of athletic director at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School .

Over the years, Trahan has had to clear room for a number of awards earned for his leadership, including an Athletic Director of the Year award in 2011 and trophies won by the Old Colony boys basketball team, which he serves as the head coach for.

On Sunday, March 17, Trahan added another award to his resume, the Sherman A. Kinney Basketball Award, presented by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.

With his family by his side, Trahan was honored at the DIv. 4 state championship game between Wareham and Bourne at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. 

Each year, the award is given to someone who has made a significant contribution to the game of basketball in a Massachusetts community and is a consistent role model for student athletes.

“It’s awesome to be recognized by your peers,” said Trahan. “To have my family there and to have my kids witness that was awesome.”

In the 2023-2024 season, Trahan led the Cougars to an 18-2 regular season record, a Mayflower Athletic Conference small division title and a vocational school state championship.

Trahan said that there is a feeling of family surrounding the Old Colony basketball program. His kids join the team bus on road trips, and his former players get back on the court for an alumni game each year.

“Our moniker here is treating the kids like adults,” said Trahan. “We are not talking down to them. We are working with them, trying to get them to be the best version of themselves everyday.”

In 11 years as the varsity basketball coach, Trahan and the Cougars have won over 165 games.

“Through each of [his] roles, Matt Trahan has been known as a person of the highest character and integrity,” said the MIAA in material shared for the award. “He cared deeply about the interscholastic athletic experience of student-athletes and making decisions that are focused on what is best for all students.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that [Trahan] is the driving force behind the strong tradition and reputation that is sportsmanship at Old Colony,” said Old Colony football head coach Brandon Mendez in his nomination of Trahan for the award.

Trahan said that his favorite part about coaching is being able to work with “such great kids.”