Meet Your Coach
Matt Harris
As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Exercise Specialist, I bridge the critical gap between rehab and full athletic return. I've lived the journey—recovering from major injury—and now coach others with a human-first approach.
My Journey
My path to coaching started with my own recovery journey. After major injury, I discovered that the gap between rehab and full athletic return was often overlooked—and that's exactly where athletes need the most support.
Today, I'm deeply involved in our local athletic community—coaching the Killer Whales, Fox Chapel High School Swim Team running with the Fleet Feet Race Team, and directing the Fox Chapel and O'Hara Township 5K and Mile races. This hands-on involvement keeps me connected to what athletes really need.
My Coaching Philosophy
“I meet you where you are and move with you toward your goals.”
— My coaching is collaborative, adaptive, and always aligned with your life
I believe coaching is about releasing the potential within the athlete and helping them find the mindset that unlocks their enthusiasm to keep growing. Whether the fancy bells and whistles get used really depends on your goals—I'll steer you away from tech if I feel it's not beneficial.
My approach is week-by-week, accommodating how you're feeling and your time constraints. I guide you to which sessions are key versus flexible, always striving for you to feel accomplished and enjoy your training.
Certifications and Credentials
My coaching approach is backed by extensive certifications and continuous learning:
Running & Track
- USA Track & Field Certified Level 1
- RRCA Level II + Youth Run Coach
- RRCA Race Director
- Sprint Practitioner in Running Mechanics
- VDOT O2 Distance
Swimming & Triathalon
- USA Masters Swimming Level 3
- USA Swimming ADM Age Group and Senior
- USA Triathlon Level 1
- USA Swimming Stroke & Turn Official
- USA Masters Starter Official
Professional and Safety
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- ACE Sports Performance Specialist
- ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist
- US Center for SafeSport
- American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid
- NFHS Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- NFHS Concussion In Sports
My Toolbox (When Needed)
Data should support experience and expertise, not lead it. When appropriate for your goals, I have access to advanced tools that can provide objective insights—but only if they add value to your journey.
Assessment Tools Available (In-Person):
- ForceDecks jump profiling
- VALD DynaMo isometric strength testing
- Moxy & VO2 Master metabolic profiling
- RunScribe gait mechanics
- Movement screening & symmetry
- Custom training plan development
- Collaborative care with medical teams
The Human Connection
Behind every athlete is a person with dreams, fears, and unique circumstances. My job is to help you navigate the path forward with confidence, building the mindset and skills that serve you well beyond any single goal.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA, I work with athletes locally (including hands-on assessment) and remotely. Whether you need equipment-based testing or coaching that travels with you, we'll find the approach that fits your needs.
Let's Talk
Whether you're building back after injury, developing foundational skills, or reaching for new performance heights—every athlete's journey is different. Let's discuss where you are and where you want to go.
Let's Start the Conversation
Ready to work with a coach who meets you where you are? Let's talk about your goals and how I can help.