Matthew S. Margaron joined Hope College in June of 2019 as the newly endowed chaplain of athletics. His primary role is to serve as chaplain for the entire athletic community, including the 550+ student-athletes, 17 full time coaches and over 50 assistant coaches.

Matt spends most of his time walking alongside the athletic department, coaches and athletes as they grapple with faith as it pertains to their life inside and outside of their sport. You will most likely see him on the sidelines of a game, in a coffee shop conversation or as a part of the preaching team in our regular Monday, Wednesday, Fridal chapel services.  

Matt is also a part of the teaching team in the leadership minor through the Center for Leadership. In addition, he also serves as the faculty/staff advisor for the Hope College Ski & Snowboard Club. 

Education

• M.A., community counseling, Regent University, 2008
• B.A., psychology and religion, Hope College, 2003

Awards & Hope Athletic Career

Matt was a 4x varsity letter winner with the Hope College Men’s Soccer Team from 1999 to 2002.

• 2002 MIAA Dr. Marvin A. Zuidema Award Winner for contribution to team play, leadership qualities, demonstration of ethical virtues, and excellence in athletics and academics.
• 3x All-MIAA Conference Soccer Player
• 2x NSCAA All Great Lakes Regional Soccer Player

Matt has also coached soccer at the youth, high school, club and college levels.

Previous Experience

Matt joins the Hope staff after serving in ministry on Young Life staff for nearly 10 years. Prior to working in full-time ministry with Young Life, he worked as a licensed clinical professional counselor specializing in youth, young adult and family counseling.

Why I love Hope

Matt loves Hope College because it is constantly aspiring to be a place of invitation, belonging and growth. The community of Hope is a place where people can come as they are, find a people to belong to and set themselves on a trajectory where they can pursue and fulfill God’s calling on their lives.  

Outside the College

Matt’s first passion is spending time with his family. He has been married to his wife, Eli, for 17 years and has two middle-school daughters, Emma (16) and Leah (14). Matt loves the outdoors, exploring the national parks, traveling around the world, reading a good book or going to see a great movie. He is also a huge fan of Hope Athletics. When he is not at a Hope game or practice, you may see him cheering on the Chicago Bulls, Bears or Red Stars.