Safley Looking to Move La Plata Baseball and Basketball Programs Forward

Matt Safley was recently named the new head coach of La Plata’s boys’ basketball and baseball programs. The 2015 La Plata graduate has spent the past four years as an assistant coach for the Bulldog baseball program. Safley explains his philosophy for success for the baseball team.

Safley takes over for Josh Woodward, who served as La Plata baseball coach for the past ten years. The Bulldogs finished third in Class 1 in 2017 and second in 2019 under Woodward. In the last two years, the Bulldogs won a combined 32 games but failed to get out of the district tournament both seasons. Safley says they’re capable of breaking through soon.

On the basketball side, Safley will inherit a team that went 2-22 under veteran head coach Greg Buescher, who had led the Bulldogs for six seasons. Safley says he’s seen encouraging signs from the basketball team this summer.

Safley feature prominently on both La Plata’s baseball and basketball teams during his school years. He attended college at Moberly Area Community College and Truman State University.