The Official Athletics Site of the Fresno Pacific University Sunbirds

Matt Souza was born and raised in Hanford, Calif. and graduated from Hanford High School in 2005. 

After excelling with the Bullpups, Souza played two seasons under Coach Jack Hacker at Reedley Junior College where he was team MVP his freshman year. Following his junior college career, Souza took his hard-nosed work ethic to Fresno Pacific. 

During his junior season, he played a pivotal role on FPU's first ever NAIA World Series team, along with fellow assistant coach Jordan Keener. As a senior, Souza set a school record with 24 stolen bases, and committed just four errors all season for fielding percentage of .978. He was a team captain his senior season, contributing to the team by using a wide skill-set from push-bunt singles to homeruns from the leadoff spot where he batted .338.

In Souza’s first year coaching with the Sunbirds, he guided his infield to a GSAC-best .974 fielding percentage which was second in the NAIA. His infield was regarded as one of the best in the country at any level. Shortstop Alec Mehrten was named the conference’s Gold Glove winner, while second baseman Andrew Douglas signed a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox after the season.

Souza graduated from Fresno Pacific with a B.A. in history. He is currently working toward his master's in history.