Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Merrick.
Hi Matthew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey starts on the Iron Range in Hibbing, Minnesota. I was an injury-prone athlete growing up, so I had the pleasure of getting to know our schools athletic trainer, Tom Lange, very well. He would give me tidbits on what I could be doing to help prevent such injuries and get an edge on the other team or opponent. The thought, process, and challenge to create an edge through training was fascinating and I dove right in.
Playing a multitude of sports growing up brought me to getting my Associates Degree at Hibbing Community College, and then finishing up my Bachelors Degree at Minnesota State, Mankato; graduating in exercise science. I started my coaching career in Mankato at Ignition Fitness & Sports, working with athletes and everyday adults. From there, I was able to connect with a great number of individuals and eventually landed a job with Training Haus, working with a variety of athletes from youth, to high school, college, pro and Olympic level athletes. While with Training Haus, I was part of the ’22-’23 Minnetonka Boys’ Hockey State Championship. A great team with great players, and a great moment to be a part of.
Months after, I had an amazing baby girl with my wife and accepted a job, focusing more on training hockey players at a sports performance facility called 1st Athlete. The facility moved locations, and with the move, I became the Director of Sports Performance and the facility’s name was changed to Invicta Training Center. The facility has a focus on hockey, but we train athletes from all sports and those who just want want to be active. From Mites to Pros, we are here to make an impact and help unlock and build upon their athletic potential.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say one of the challenges is wanting everything to be perfect – creating the perfect training program with the perfect movements for each group of athletes. All the variables and factors that can come into play is what makes it fun, challenging, and exciting.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Invicta Training Center, we strive to give professional training to athletes of all ages, skill level, and sports. We have a focus on hockey training = off ice speed and strength training alongside their stick skills on the ice.
I specialize in power and speed development, focusing on how the body moves. Fast, strong, powerful, yet still agile and fluid. Being more athletic makes one more injury resistant and with more efficient performance.
I am most proud of “the next one” = the next athlete I can help, the next team I can work with. A very proud moment of mine was working with the ’22-’23 Minnetonka Boys’ Hockey State Championship team. It was a fun season and the team was comprised of a majority of players I had worked with for years.
What sets me apart is my upfront approach with athletes. I don’t sugar coat my feedback, but rather guide athletes through how to improve the skills that need it and hone the skills they already excel in.
How do you think about happiness?
My wife and daughter are the reasons I strive to improve and continue to move forward. Happiness starts at home and you choose whether or not to remain happy or allow other things to disrupt that.
Watching my daughter grow up is an adventure. Everyday, there is something new she’s learning that brings a huge, cheesy smile to her face.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.invictatraining.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invictatrainingcenter/
