GUELPH, Ont. – The University of Guelph Department of Athletics has named Matt Stocco head coach of the Gryphons baseball 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 just 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."
 
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, Matt competed at the NCAA Division I level with Elon University in North Carolina while pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree.
 
Following his collegiate playing days, Matt played in the Independent League with the Winnipeg Goldeyes (2004-2005) before moving on to spend parts of four seasons in the minor league system with the San Diego Padres (Major League Baseball), including suiting up with the team's AA affiliate, the San Antonio Missions. In 2008-2009, Stocco made his way overseas to compete in the Italian Baseball League with the Fortitudo Bologna Baseball Club.
 
Following his playing career, Matt carved out a successful coaching and instructing career, making a lasting impact during his involvement with both the Mississauga Terriers (2010-2023) and Guelph Royals (player, coach, board of directors – 2014-2016). Since 2009, Matt has also served as an instructor at Peak Performance Athletics in Guelph. Stocco takes over the head coaching duties of the Gryphons baseball program following the departure of Dean Mariani, who steps away from the program after a standout head coach tenure with the team since 2018.
 
"We would like to thank Dean for his contributions over the years, which has elevated the Gryphon baseball program to be a top contender year over year," says Jenn Kaufman, intercollegiate coordinator with the University of Guelph Department of Athletics. "Dean has, and will always be, an invaluable supporter to the Gryphons baseball program. Bringing Matt on board as head coach of the Gryphon baseball program is an exciting addition. Matt's extensive knowledge and experience within the game, coupled with his passion for developing players, makes him a great fit to lead our varsity baseball program while supporting our student-athletes both on and off the field."
 
The Gryphon baseball 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 just 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.