While not a native Californian, Matt Marquess grew up in PaloAlto. From an early age, he played soccer, both with the PaloAlto and Stanford Soccer Clubs. He went to Gunn High Schoolwhere he played both junior varsity and varsity soccer. As afreshman, his JV team won the league championship. During hissophomore year at Gunn, he distinguished himself by leading thevarsity team in goals. The next year, the Titans were Central CoastSection champions and Marquess led the team with assists. Hissenior year, he was named team captain, co-MVP and named a firstteam all-league performer.
Marquess began his college soccer career at University ofCalifornia, Santa Cruz, in NCAA Division III. As a first-yearplayer, he earned the position of starting left back. Heplayed every game and scored five goals. It was a successfulyear for the UCSC Banana Slugs. They ended the season strongand went on to the Division III National Championships, losing inthe final game. Matt earned personal accolades includingbeing named to the NCAA Division III All-Tournament Team andrecognized as the Division III Independents, 'Freshman of theYear.'
As a sophomore, he transferred to Santa Clara University. Hecame off the bench early his first season and progressed toanchoring the back line. He held that position of center backfor two years, playing every game and continuing into theplayoffs. While at SCU, he earned numerous accoladesincluding his selection as Regional Academic All-American and ESPNScholar Athlete. His junior season he was voted as theBroncos' 'Defender of the Year,' an honor bestowed by histeammates. Under the guidance of coaches Cameron Rast, EricYamamoto and Rusty Johnson he played most every position while atSCU and did whatever was required to help the team.
Midway through his senior year at SCU, Marquess was drafted in thethird round of the MLS Superdraft by the Kansas City Wizards. He played two injury-plagued seasons with the Wizards beforeretiring to return to his ‘real’ life. Herecently returned to SCU to finish his Finance degree; he willgraduate in December 2010 with honors.
While soccer is his passion, Matt has always aggressivelyparticipated in most other sports, including baseball, basketball,hockey and golf. He has experience coaching youth soccer,baseball and roller hockey. While he was in Kansas City, hecoached both U14 boys’ and U16 girls’ teams. Hehas volunteer coached with Palo Alto Little League. He hasrun summer soccer camps and worked privately with individualplayers and small groups.
Matt believes that though the medium of sports, including;mentorship, guidance, and coaching, both on and off the field, theimpact of sports on kids can positively develop their athleticability, and more importantly, critical life skills, giving them astrong foundation which can help them reach new heights and beproductive members of society.
Matt believes successful coaching comes down to three things:
1. Having fun
2. Working hard
3. Learning the right things
He is excited to be back at SCU
Matt lives in Santa Clara. He has a brother, Jeff, wholives in Austin, Tex., and a sister, Sarah, who is in SanFrancisco. His parents, Jack and Jeanette live in Boulder,Colorado.
