From NCAA Athlete to Coaching Success: The Journey of Matt Lenzo
Upper 90 alumni Matt Lenzo on the sidelines coaching for Fremantle City FC in the National Premier League Western Australia.
In the world of soccer, success isn't always measured by goals scored or trophies won on the field. Sometimes, it's about the journey of resilience, determination, and growth that leads to triumph off the pitch. Such is the inspiring story of Upper 90 College alumni, Matt Lenzo, whose remarkable coaching career has flourished since his return to Perth, Australia, after his time playing college soccer in the USA.
Matt lenzo during his time with Seton Hill University (NCAA D2).
Matt's journey began when he was placed at Seton Hill University (NCAA D2) in Western Pennsylvania several years ago by Upper 90 College. Despite facing challenges, including multiple knee injuries that cut short his college playing career, Matt cherished every moment of his time as a college athlete. Reflecting on his experience, Matt shares, "I loved every second of my college playing life."
Upon returning to Australia in 2020, Matt transitioned into coaching, bringing with him the invaluable lessons learned from his time in the USA. He joined Fremantle City Football Club, where he embarked on a journey of growth and development that would see him rise through the coaching ranks.
In his initial years at Fremantle City FC, Matt took charge of the senior reserve side, leading them to league and cup victories in both 2021 and 2022. His success on the sidelines caught the attention of the club's leadership, leading to his promotion to assistant coach for the First team in 2023.
Matt Lenzo (far right) celebrating an historic title win for Fremantle City FC, and their promotion to the Western Australia Premier League!
In his first year as assistant coach for the First team, Matt made an immediate impact, guiding the team to the final of the night series and securing promotion to the National Premier League Western Australia (NPL WA). This achievement speaks volumes about Matt's coaching prowess and his ability to inspire and lead his players to success, which he developed during his time in the USA college soccer system.
Reflecting on his journey, Matt remarks, "Since coming back in 2020, I have built up and developed every year.” His trajectory from a college athlete to an accomplished coach underscores the transformative power of perseverance and dedication inherit with being a college soccer player in the USA.
““I loved every second of my college playing life.””
One of the key traits that Matt developed during his time as an NCAA D2 athlete in the USA was leadership. Leading by example on the field, Matt honed his ability to motivate and inspire his teammates—a skill that has served him well in his coaching career. Additionally, his experience competing in the highly competitive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) instilled in him a sense of grit and determination to succeed at the highest levels of competition, given it’s one of the toughest D2 college soccer conferences in the USA college soccer system.
These same traits—leadership, grit, and determination—are now evident in Matt's coaching style, as he continues to guide and mentor his players towards excellence both on and off the field. As he takes on the role of technical coordinator for Fremantle City FC's elite pathway, Matt's journey serves as a testament to the transformative potential of the USA college soccer system in shaping the next generation of student-athletes.
In celebrating Matt's journey from NCAA athlete to coaching success, we recognize the profound impact that his experience has had on his career and the invaluable lessons that aspiring student-athletes can learn from his story. As Matt continues to make his mark in the world of soccer, we applaud his resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
