Coach Aquilla "Kiwi" Mateen James

Carolina softball head coach Megan Smith Lyon announced that Aquilla "Kiwi" Mateen James has been elevated to assistant coach in July 2023.

"I'm excited to have another Tar Heel born and bred on our coaching staff," Smith Lyon said. "Kiwi's passion for Carolina and her loyalty to this program make her the perfect fit for our family.  She will make a huge impact as she develops our outfielders and slappers and I can't wait to see their growth under her leadership."

After graduating in 2016 from Carolina with a degree in exercise and sports science, Mateen served as the volunteer assistant for the Heels from 2016-18. She then returned to the staff from for the 2019 season as the director of sports performance.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Coach Smith Lyon, Coach Lyon and Coach Holub on the coaching staff here at Carolina," Mateen James said.   "The strong sense of family is evident, as they've welcomed me with open arms. Coach Smith Lyon's passion for the game and UNC is contagious, and I'm excited to be a part of what she is building here in Chapel Hill." 

A 2014 All-ACC Second Team selection, Mateen James appeared in 214 career games, making 186 starts in the outfield. She finished her career in the top 10 in triples (11) and runs scored (142), with 12 doubles and 44 RBIs. The speedy outfielder swiped the fifth-most bases in program history, going 70-for-81 (.864), and helped the Tar Heels set a new team record for single-season stolen bases in 2016 with a personal-best 26 steals as a senior.

Mateen James is married to former Carolina basketball player Joel James. They have two children, a son, Ziggy and a daughter, Zorah.