Meet Coach Matt

  1. Updates

Coach Matt is rocking his second year as the coach for Whittier Elementary.  Before joining the Playworks team in the Fall of 2012 he was at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, earning a degree in Secondary Education.  After graduation he came to the Twin Cities because of the unlimited opportunities to work in a diverse and progressive school system, and has been handing out high-5s ever since!

What was your favorite recess game growing up:
As a kid my favorite recess game was basketball.

Has it changed now that you’re a coach:
While I still LOVE basketball, as a coach my favorite recess game is Capture the Flag.

What is the best part about being a coach:
The best part of being a coach is the joy you get to bring to hundreds of kids everyday. Nothing beats seeing all the smiling faces and high-5’s you get to see over the course of just one school day.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go:
If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to Italy. My grandparents were born in Italy and my mother is Italian so I have family there and it’s really beautiful. Either that or I would go to New Zealand and walk the trail to Mordor.

More Updates


January 24, 2024

Indoor Recess Transition Plan ›

From snow and cold to rain, smog, and everything in between, weather can throw a wrench in your outdoor recess plans. When inclement weather strikes, transitioning to indoor play can…

December 18, 2023

Playworks recognized as a NYSS Champion ›

Playworks becomes an NYSS Champion Playworks is pleased to be recognized by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services…

December 5, 2023

2023-2024 School Forecast ›

During the 2023-2024 school year Playworks Minnesota expects to impact 19,748 students across 60 schools and out of school time partners. Read more about our impact here! 2023-2024 Forecast