Matthew Ward
Richmond,Virginia
Summary
Relationship-focused operations and sales leader who builds trust, manages complex client needs, and executes high-volume programs and events. Combines communication, crisis management, and competitive mindset with hands-on leadership to support growth, team performance, and consistent customer engagement.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner,
Matt Ward Soccer Academy LLC
Wilmington, NC
05.2023 - Current
- Built and manage an elite training business that generates over six figures in annual gross income and serves 5 different cities and in 2 different states.
- Deliver personalized training programs that have generated over 30 semiprofessional or collegiate athletes.
- Hosted camps, clinics, and tournaments for 500+ participants, managing logistics, customer communication, and event execution.
- Developed marketing strategies and coordinated a team of 4 employees to positively impact local athletes' lives.
- Led business operations and customer acquisition, building relationships with prospective families to foster customer loyalty.
- FY'23 - 173% growth over prior year
- FY'24 - 34.1% growth over prior year
- FY'25 - 13.6% growth over prior year
Student Support Specialist,
Communities in Schools
Wilmington, NC
10.2023 - 05.2025
- Case managed school-wide initiatives and support services, fostering student engagement and program participation to elevate student outcomes.
- Led site-based student support program for high school students, partnering with school personnel and community organizations to enhance service delivery.
- Provided data-driven reports to leadership, communicating insights and coordinating support teams to optimize service delivery.
Catering Event Manager / Assistant Manager,
Coastal Catering & Events
Bolivia, NC
12.2015 - 01.2023
- Coordinated high-pressure, large-scale events, emphasizing flawless execution and strong team collaboration.
- Directed 30-40 catering and restaurant events monthly, managing operations, employee scheduling, and ensuring client satisfaction.
- Trained and onboarded new staff, establishing consistency and maintaining quality standards.
Education
BA - Public Relations, Leadership Studies
Longwood University
Farmville, VA05-2022
Skills
- Sales growth
- Client relations
- Crisis management
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Competitive analysis
Collegiate Honors
Leadership Studies Student of the Year Longwood University 2020
- Representation of outstanding leadership capabilities, commitment to leadership principles.
- Awarded to 1 Leadership Studies student annually.
Jimmy M. Yarborough Inspiration Award Longwood University 2019
- Nominated all 4 years of college career.
- Awarded annually by the Athletic Department for character and leadership excellence on and off the field.
- For being an active inspiration to those around you.
Emerging Citizen Leader Award Longwood University 2019
- Awarded to a University student who exemplifies leadership by providing distinguished service and engaging in their community.
- This student shows initiative and commitment to growth, learning, and leadership.
Volunteer Experience
World Race / Adventures Missions, Eswatini / South Africa, 2023
- Volunteer in care-point orphanages & local communities.
- Provided leadership and received cross-cultural training and served the local community of Eswatini.
- Charged with leading spiritual enrichment for our team while abroad for 5 months.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2021
- Charged with expanding FCA throughout the University.
- The principal mission is welcoming and leading students through the fellowship of FCA values.
Director of Ministry, Invitation to Freedom, 2019-2022
- Led more than 100 students weekly through mentoring and leadership around common themes., Created a series to guide students through the obstacles of University life.
- Advance the social media presence for the ministry.
- Network with the local community and other campus ministries to bridge community gaps.
Athletics
Longwood Men's Varsity Soccer, Division I NCAA 2018-2022
- Leadership team member and important role player starting or playing in all games from freshman to senior year.
- Expected to perform at the highest level as a student and athlete.
- Discipline, dedication, commitment, grit, and sacrifice to represent Division 1 athletics while balancing academics helped solidify the foundations of my values today.
Timeline
Student Support Specialist,
Communities in Schools
10.2023 - 05.2025
Owner,
Matt Ward Soccer Academy LLC
05.2023 - Current
Catering Event Manager / Assistant Manager,
Coastal Catering & Events
12.2015 - 01.2023
BA - Public Relations, Leadership Studies
Longwood University