Matt Ventura is in his second season as the head diving coach with Florida Gulf Coast University Swimming and Diving team.  

In 2021-2022, Ventura helped led the Eagles to another successful season through the diving program. He coached multiple CCSA Championship finalist as well as securing the 3-meter champion & CCSA Diver of the year.  
 
Previously, Matt was part of the coaching staff at the Ohio State Dive Club, one of the highest-ranking USA Diving junior teams in the nation. During Matt’s time at OSU, the team was crowned the all-around 2019 Champions for USA Diving Junior Nationals Team and Champions for the Boys team. Matt has helped bring many divers to USA Junior Nationals and many landed finalist and champion spots. He also helped send many athletes to international competitions and four went on to compete in the 2021 Olympic Trials. 
 
Before his time at OSU, Matt led Legacy Diving Club in Michigan as Head Diving Coach from 2015-2018. Throughout his time at Legacy, he sent multiple athletes to USA Junior Nationals and AAU Nationals. Legacy Diving Club has consistently ranked as a top Diving Club. In 2016, Legacy Diving Club achieved thee status of overall champions for the AAU National Diving Championship. Additionally, Matt served as the assistant diving coach for Eastern Michigan University from 2015-2017.  
 
Matt graduated from Eastern Michigan University where he dove for head diving coach Buck Smith. During his time with the Eagles, Matt was part of three MAC team championship teams. He graduated EMU with a Bachelors of Psychology and Communication. Over the next two years Matt continued his education to earn a Masters in Coaching at Ohio University. 
 
Matt has helped develop divers of all levels reach their potential. He has coached 18 National Champions, 10 International Athletes, 4 Olympic Trial Finalist, and 2 Junior Olympic Athletes. Coaching and diving are his passion that he strives to succeed in. He owns and operates the only diving club in the Fort Myers area, Southwest Florida Diving Academy. Matt’s goal is to bring competitive club diving to Fort Myers and the surrounding communities. 
 
Outside of the pool, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife, Nikki, and daughter, Isla. He is devoted to his family and enjoys every moment he gets to spend with them. Matt also has two dogs and loves exploring new places. He looks forward to making an impact in the diving community from his new position and continuing to help divers grow in diving and as individuals.