The 2025-26 season marks Matt Stocco's first season as head coach of the University of Guelph baseball program.
Stocco was
named head coach of the Gryphons baseball program on May 14, 2025 and 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.
