How Matt grew to love the game of pickleball

Matt was very athletic growing up, never focusing on one sport but played many; baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball and badminton on school teams or for fun.  In 2016, his mom had already gotten his sisters into the game and he took a big liking to it that summer with Pickleball Hamilton. In the fall, Matt went back to school in Ottawa and searched for places to play.  He joined the Ottawa Pickleball Association and has helped the growth of pickleball there, now almost reaching 700 members. 

Matt loves to compete in tournaments, playing in the open/pro category with his sister Jessica in mixed doubles and many tournaments with Ernesto Fajardo in mens doubles. He has grown to be the top player in Ontario and one of the top players in Canada. 

Matt finished teacher's college at the University of Ottawa in 2019 and brings the love of teaching over to Pickleball. He has instructed many clinics in Ontario and works with many people in the Hamilton and Ottawa areas.
Matt is a Director for the IPTPA (International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association) and is certified as a level 2 instructor. 

From the Summer of 2018-2022, Matt was the Pro at Pickleball Hamilton. In November 2019, Matt was hired on as the Pickleball Pro in Arnprior at Kenwood Athletic Club and in February 2020 was offered the Head Pro Pickleball Position with the Ottawa Pickleball Association. He is continuing to be the Head Pro with the Ottawa Pickleball Association and is the Head Pro with Valleystream Pickleball Club for the outdoor season. With these two positions, Matt will be in Ottawa all year.

"I am very grateful that my mom introduced this sport to my whole family. It is something that all of us enjoy doing together and has brought our family even closer. I have even partnered a few times with each family member in tournaments. I am also thankful for all the great people that I have met through pickleball and the opportunities that it has given me. When I started this game, I never knew it would be such a big part of my life!"

Matt is looking forward to seeing you on the courts!