Stocco takes over coaching Guelph Gryphons
Photo: University of Guelph Athletics
May 14, 2025
Matt Stocco Named Head Coach of Gryphons
Official University of Guelph Athletics News Release
GUELPH, Ont. – The University of Guelph Department of Athletics has named Matt Stocco head coach of the Gryphons program.
“I am very honoured to be given this opportunity. I was born and raised in Guelph and played every level of minor ball in this city and look forward to building upon Guelph’s long-standing reputation of producing some of the best ball players in the province,” says Stocco, who currently resides in Kitchener with his wife and daughter while working as a firefighter with the City of Hamilton. “Being named to this position is about so much more than on-field results. It is about teaching these young men how to fail and how to succeed. I am extremely excited for what is to come for the Gryphons.”
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Elliott: The exhibition game Stocco caught HOFer Greg Maddux
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Stocco arrives at the University of Guelph with a decorated resumé as a player, coach and instructor. During his playing days as a student-athlete, Stocco was a standout catcher and was on scholarship while competing south of the border. From 2001-2003, Stocco was named an All-American and All-Conference selection at the JUCO level at Spartanburg Methodist College in Saxon, South Carolina. From 2003-2005, he competed at the NCAA Division I level with Elon University in North Carolina -- same school umpire Joe West attended -- while pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree.
Following his collegiate playing days, Stocco played in the independent ranks with the Winnipeg Goldeyes (2004-2005) before moving on to spend parts of four seasons in the San Diego Padres’ minor league system, including suiting up with the team’s double-A San Antonio Missions. In 2008-2009, Stocco made his way overseas to compete in the Italian League with the Fortitudo Bologna.
Following his playing career, he carved out a successful coaching and instructing career, making a lasting impact during his involvement with both the Ontario Terriers (2010-2023) and Guelph Royals (player, coach, board of directors, 2014-2016). Since 2009, he has also served as an instructor at Peak Performance Athletics in Guelph.
The Gryphon team is coming off of an impressive 2024 season in which they posted a 10-2 record in conference play, and an 8-4-1 record in non-conference play, during the regular season. The Gryphons fell short of reaching the OUA final four after being edged out by Brock in the OUA West Regional Qualifier. Guelph went on claim silver at nationals, falling to Carleton in the championship game of the 2024 Canadian University National Championship invitational.