210 East Centennial Ave., Muncie, IN 47303

eric van matre, head Performance coach

Meet Eric Van Matre

As the Head Performance Coach, Eric brings a comprehensive background in sports performance and coaching, highlighted by an impressive array of certifications and educational achievements. His qualifications include a Master’s degree in Sports Performance, a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, and certifications in USA Weightlifting L1, CrossFit L1, and Nutritional Coaching Institute L1. He has also completed various leadership training programs, including those focused on emerging leaders and customer engagement.

Experience

Eric has 18 years of coaching experience, with a proven track record of success. Over 100 athletes have progressed from high school to college athletics under his guidance, with more than 50 continuing at the Division 1 level. His notable experiences include a 500-hour internship at Cooper Sports Performance in Tampa, FL, serving as a former D1 collegiate baseball coach at Ball State University, and holding head performance coaching roles with BSU Gymnastics and Men’s Golf. Under his leadership, the Men’s Golf team became NCAA National Finalists in 2013. He was also the Head Performance Coach for BSU Baseball in 2022-2023, leading the team to their first MAC Tournament win and an NCAA Regional appearance since 2007. Additionally, Eric has shared his expertise through speaking engagements at various conferences and seminars on human performance, Olympic weightlifting, and nutrition.


Specialties

Eric’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including speed and performance development, Olympic weightlifting, and competitive strength training. His work encompasses powerlifting, strongman, competitive CrossFit, distance marathon running, triathlons, and more. He is also adept at helping individuals rehabilitate and build strength from musculoskeletal injuries, reducing pain, and understanding that their best days can still be ahead if they prepare through proper training.


Coaching Philosophy

Eric adheres to the belief that “If you have a body, you’re an athlete,” a principle he embraced at 19 and has lived by ever since. He believes that most people possess untapped physical and mental potential. By adopting the mindset of becoming an ever-evolving athlete, individuals can turn perceived failures into valuable lessons applicable across all areas of life.


Personal Achievements

Eric’s athletic background includes a distinguished career as a former Division 1 collegiate baseball player, with five years split between Purdue and Ball State. He was also a competitive Olympic weightlifter, spending nearly two years training under a USAW Level 4 Senior International Coach. His achievements extend to being inducted into the Delaware County Athletics High School Hall of Fame, where he earned recognition for his performance in baseball, including Wapahani High School’s first state finals appearance, and multiple school records in wins, strikeouts, and innings pitched. Additionally, Eric was a three-sport varsity athlete, earning ten varsity letters in cross-country, basketball, and baseball.


Fun Fact

At 38 years old, Eric can still jump on a 50-inch box, proving that age is just a number and his athletic prowess remains impressive.