To Whom it may concern,

It is with the highest level of confidence and enthusiasm that I recommend MJ Matteson for the position of Head Coach for the Girls Volleyball Program at Estrella Foothills High School. Over the course of seven years, MJ served as my assistant coach, and his leadership, professionalism, and relentless commitment to team development were integral to the success of our program.

Throughout our time coaching together, MJ consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to build and sustain a culture rooted in trust, compassion, and accountability. He understands that high-performance teams are not solely driven by skill and talent, but by a shared belief in each other and the systems in place. MJ is a culture-builder-intentional in his approach, consistent in his standards, and empathetic in his leadership. His presence created a safe environment for athletes to grow, take risks, and strive for excellence both on and off the court. One of MJ's most invaluable strengths is his ability to connect deeply with athletes and their families. He has a unique talent for navigating even the most challenging situations with clarity, grace, and diplomacy. MJ doesn't shy away from tough conversations; instead, he approaches them with a focus on resolution and shared goals. Parents trusted him not only as a coach but as a mentor and advocate for their children. His communication style-transparent, respectful, and confident--allowed for strong, lasting relationships with our volleyball community.

MJ also played a critical role in developing long-term pathways for our athletes. He has consistently shown a deep commitment to helping players identify and pursue their personal goals, whether that meant training for collegiate play, excelling academically, or developing leadership skills. He served as a vital point of contact for athletes and their families, guiding them through recruitment processes, offseason development, and academic planning.

In addition to his interpersonal and leadership skills, MJ brought strategic value to our program through his expertise in math and statistics. His analytical approach allowed us to gain meaningful insights into both team and individual performance. By leveraging data, he helped us make informed decisions about lineup construction, match preparation, and skill development. His contributions directly elevated our competitiveness and were a key factor in the period of success our teams enjoyed during his tenure.

In short, MJ Matteson is not only ready to lead a high school volleyball program-he is the type of leader who will elevate every aspect of it. His character, work ethic, and coaching acumen are of the highest caliber. Estrella Foothills High School would be incredibly fortunate to welcome MJ as a head coach, and I am confident that he will leave a lasting legacy of excellence, character, and community.

Troy Sherman