Matt Peck, the winningest coach in Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) volleyball history, passed away on July 22, 2025.
Although the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, it is known that he underwent surgery where doctors removed 10 inches of his colon using robotic surgery.
Despite this, he remained actively involved in volleyball coaching, and following his recovery, he continued to contribute to the sport at the club level.
Matt Peck Was One Of College Volleyball’s Most Successful Coaches!
Longtime Blue Raiders coach Matt Peck was a respected volleyball Master Coach at USA South Volleyball.
He began his head coaching journey at Wayne State University, where he spent eight years from 1987 to 1994.
Throughout those years, he compiled a record of 231–135 and led the team to two NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.
In 1995, he took over at the University of North Alabama, where he enjoyed tremendous success over nine seasons.
During his time there, he led the team to a remarkable 312–61 record and captured seven consecutive Gulf South Conference titles.
He guided them to eight straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Elite Eight finishes.
His greatest accomplishment came in 2003 when he coached North Alabama to the NCAA Division II National Championship.
That same year, he was named AVCA Division II National Coach of the Year and earned Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year honors four times.
In 2004, he served as the head coach of the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Blue Raiders for 12 seasons, a tenure that lasted until 2015.
Under his leadership, the program won four Sun Belt Tournament championships and two regular-season titles.
He was honored twice as the Sun Belt Coach of the Year and became the winningest coach in MTSU volleyball history, earning over 200 victories.
Moreover, the Blue Raiders advanced to six consecutive NCAA Tournaments, including a run to the Sweet 16 in 2007.
He also coached at North Alabama and Wayne State, earning over 500 career wins.
In 2012, he retired after a successful career and later moved to Texas, where he continued to support the sport and his former teams.
Before stepping into coaching, Peck was a graduate assistant for Purdue’s men’s volleyball team from 1980 to 1983.
In the wake of his passing, tributes poured in from across the volleyball community and beyond.
MTSU Director of Athletics Chris Massaro shared a heartfelt message, saying:
There are a lot of banners hanging in AMG that are due to Matt and his staff’s efforts… My thoughts and prayers are with those who are close to Matt, his family, his friends, and all the former players who helped raise a lot of those banners.
Former players, colleagues, and fans have shared heartfelt memories, describing him as a mentor, motivator, and friend whose impact extended far beyond the court.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Matt Peck’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legendary Coach!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1980 with a degree in psychology.
- He was inducted into the University of North Alabama Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.
