Matt Scoggin is heading to his sixth Olympics. The diver from the Barcelona 1992 Games has translated his experience to five Olympics as a Team USA Diving Coach.
Matt Scoggin's diving career began in 1977 and culminated at Barcelona 1992 where he competed for Team USA in the 10m platform event. After retiring from competitive diving, the Virginia native transitioned into coaching by joining the Longhorn Aquatics Club and subsequently joined the University of Texas at Austin as a diving coach. Under his guidance, he produced numerous Olympians and National diving champions.
"If divers plan to coach after their careers, I recommend they work with youth divers in a club or camp while wrapping up their diving career. This helps them to begin teaching basics and, most importantly, learning to pull ropes on a trampoline or dryland.”
Matt Scoggin was selected as an Olympic Diving Coach for Team USA in 2000, 2008, 2012, and 2020, and now for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
"The 2012 Olympics stands out the most to me as I witnessed Nick McCrory and David Bodia win bronze, Kelsey Bryant and Abby win silver, and David Bodia’s gold. Coaching Troy Dumais in his fourth Olympics was special, watching him improve from sixth place in the 2000 Olympics to winning a bronze with Kristian Ipsen in the 2012 London Olympics."
Scoggin's coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the importance of mental toughness, a winning mindset, hard work, discipline, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
"My coaching style focuses on teaching divers to drop frustration, learn from mistakes, and stay positive about the next opportunity. Once they embrace this mindset, they enjoy diving more and stop worrying about past attempts. As I have aged, I have become more appreciative of everyone's hard work, making my coaching style even more positive. I focus on attention to detail and ensuring divers know their efforts are valued while guiding them to improve positively."
Two-time U.S. diving Olympian Alison Gibson: “Coach Matt met me at eight years old before I even started diving. He saw my potential, encouraged me to dive, and has always believed in me. His dedication and belief have shaped me into the diver and person I am today."
Matt Scoggin's ability to leverage his athletic experiences to mentor and inspire the next generation of divers has made him a revered figure in the diving world community.
"My advice to coaches is to show their diver’s potential and guide them with relentless optimism. Also, watch, study, and compare world-class divers, learn to pull ropes expertly, and never give up. Stay positive, keep learning, and be humble.”
" I emphasise that each dive, meet, season, and life opportunity can be improved by learning from mistakes and looking forward. This mindset ensures success in diving, coaching, and any career they choose."