Matt Harlfinger

About

Matt

I played Baseball and Basketball growing up. I broke my arm as a kid and gave that up, and started track and field. I ran through High School and graduated with 4 school records at a 5A school in Atlanta. I also had the opportunity to continue my athletic career at Western Carolina University. I was a 4-year letterman, a school record holder, a Southern Conference record holder, an MVP award, and 4 team championship rings. After graduation, l traveled overseas to compete in the Tetradecathlon World Championships where l finished 3rd overall with a new American Record. I decided to return to WCU to pursue my Master's degree and to help coach the track team. I got to be part of the coaching staff from 2008 to 2016 and at various points in my coaching career was the primary coach for the hurdles, javelin, pole vault, high jump, long jump, triple jump, and multi-events. I also served as the assistant for just about every other event. During my coaching career, l was able to be part of 15 more championship teams and coached 30+ individual champions and 100+ all-conference athletes.

Turning Point

I stepped away from coaching in 2016 to start a new career and to give myself the opportunity to try and settle down, start a family, etc. I now have 2 awesome kids, a beautiful wife, a home, and a career l love with members and clients l care a great deal for!

Motivation & Passion

My purpose for coaching is to HELP people. I started coaching at the high school in 2022 to try and help open more doors for scholarships with my network of collegiate colleagues and my ability to develop athletes. This year, l will be coaching a U5 soccer team. I will have training clients ages 5 to 85 and all in between with the purpose to HELP them get closer to their own goals! Everyone needs someone to believe in them and l am happy to be that person. It is really rewarding for me to play a small role in the fitness success stories of my clients!