Head Coach

Welcome to Sunshine Wrestling Academy!
I’m Matt Fiordirosa, also known as “Sunshine,” and I’ve been deeply committed to wrestling for over 36 years. Wrestling has shaped who I am, both as an athlete and as a coach. I grew up in Fox Lake, where I wrestled for Grant Community High School, qualifying for the state tournament four times, placing in state twice (2nd at 135 in ’02, 4th at 140 in ’03), and setting the school record for career wins.

My wrestling journey continued at the collegiate level with the Naval Academy Prep School, Wartburg, and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Later, I transitioned to mixed martial arts, where I built a 4-0 amateur record and 14-1 professional record, appeared on TapouT, and was inducted into the Xtreme Fighting Organization Hall of Fame.

As a coach, I’ve spent over 17 years leading wrestling programs, including 10 years as head coach at Lake Forest High School, where I coached the school’s first state champion, became the winningest coach in program history, and was nominated for IHSA 2A Coach of the Year in 2019. I’ve also coached at Grant and currently help with the Crystal Lake Wizards and Lakes Community High School.

Wrestling is more than just a sport to me—it’s a way to build character, resilience, and life skills. At Sunshine Wrestling Academy, we focus on teaching young athletes not only how to compete but how to succeed in life through the lessons wrestling imparts. Discipline, determination, and the ability to push through adversity are at the core of everything we do. I believe these qualities will guide them both on the mat and beyond.

As a father, I understand the importance of trusting the right people to guide your children. Both of my kids wrestle, and I’m passionate about instilling the same values that I’ve carried through my own journey. I know that through wrestling, they will learn not just how to move their bodies, but how to move through life with confidence, grit, and purpose.

I’m deeply committed to helping each athlete who walks through the door become not only a better wrestler but a stronger, more confident individual. I’m excited to work with your children, teaching them both wrestling techniques and life lessons that will serve them well for years to come.