Matt bruce

Competitor and Entrepreneur

Matt was born in New Orleans, LA. At the age of 13, he moved to Baton Rouge, LA, where he attended Catholic High School. During his eighth-grade year, Matt began lifting under the legendary Coach Gayle Hatch. He aimed to develop his strength and speed to join the Catholic High School football team. However, Matt soon fell in love with weightlifting. 

Over his 17-year career, Matt became one of the country’s most decorated Olympic weightlifting athletes. He made seven world teams and was an alternate on both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic teams. After retiring from competition in 2012, Matt transitioned into coaching. He is now the CEO and head Olympic weightlifting coach for the online strength and conditioning team at Brute Strength Training. 

Matt graduated from Catholic High School in 2001. He received a bachelor’s degree in adapted physical education from Louisiana State University. He then continued his education at LSU, receiving a master’s degree in sports management. Matt is currently the head strength and conditioning coach for Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, LA.