Episode 007:  Matt Santangelo is the Executive Director of Hoopfest, which is the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. He was the all-time leader in assists at Gonzaga University, won an olympic gold medal and played professionally in Europe.  

A native of Portland, OR., Matt Santangelo led the Gonzaga men’s basketball team to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in 1999 and the Sweet 16 in 2000. He remains the school’s second all-time leader in assists and ranks sixth in career points. 

He won a gold medal with Team USA at the 1999 World University Games in Spain and was an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American the same year. Matt played professional basketball for seven seasons in Europe, earning ACB All-Spain Rookie honors and contributing to an Italian League championship with Benetton Treviso in 2006. 

Since retiring from basketball, Matt has made Spokane his permanent home. He has worked in financial services and insurance and now serves as Executive Director of Spokane Hoopfest Association, the world’s largest 3-on-3 tournament and our region’s showcase event since 2014. The organization also runs Spokane AAU, Ignite Basketball Association, Easter Washington Elite, the Fitz Clinic and Tournament. 

In 2019, he successfully launched the community brand, Hooptown USA. Matt and his wife, Cathy, are parents to three children; Calvin, Luca and Stella.  

 We sat down and discussed the challenges that come with being a player, coach & basketball parent.  Check out this week's podcast and hear Matt's thoughts on:

- Are we too hard or too soft on our kids?
- Why giving your best is more important than being the best
- How to be a life-long learner
- Navigating the roles of player, coach and basketball parent
- Leadership for basketball

Go to HoopCommitment.com to get your FREE 5-Day Leadership Course and start your chain of success today!

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Show Notes
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