Matoko Noudehou
Florida Complex League Strength and Conditioning Coach, New York Mets, Port St Lucie, Florida, USA
Master of Philosophy with Honours (First Class)
Completing a research project that addressed a practical challenge he faced as a coach was one of his proudest achievements at AUT, says Matoko Noudehou, who enrolled at AUT as an international student from the USA.
“Before studying at AUT, I was already working as a strength and conditioning coach with youth athletes. I became fascinated by how young athletes develop movement skills, particularly change-of-direction performance, and I wanted to better understand the science behind athletic development. AUT's reputation for combining research with practical application made it the perfect place to deepen my knowledge. I wanted a programme that would challenge me academically while allowing me to apply what I learned directly to coaching.
“One of the most valuable aspects of the Master of Philosophy was the opportunity to conduct research that addressed a real coaching question. My work focused on youth change-of-direction performance, enabling me to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical coaching. The programme strengthened my ability to analyse data, critically evaluate evidence and apply research findings to athlete development. Those skills continue to influence how I design training programmes and make performance decisions today.”
Because he was studying during the height of the global pandemic, Matoko completed his master’s degree remotely from the USA – but that didn’t stop him from thoroughly enjoying the experience.
“The biggest highlight for me was learning from my mentors who were actively involved in research while encouraging me to think critically about how evidence applies in the real world. Rather than simply accepting existing methods, I learned how to evaluate research, ask better questions and make informed coaching decisions. My studies gave me confidence to combine scientific evidence with coaching experience, a mindset that has continued to shape my career in professional sport. I look forward to visiting AUT in person in the future.”
Helping athletes perform at their best
Based in Florida, Matoko now works as a strength and conditioning coach for the New York Mets, and is proud of helping athletes maximise their potential at one of the most important stages of their professional careers.
“Since graduating from AUT, I've had the opportunity to work for Major League Rugby, USA Rugby and now professional baseball with the New York Mets. I'm proud to have built a career across multiple high-performance sporting environments. Every player presents a unique challenge, whether they're preparing for the next level of competition or returning from injury. I enjoy combining performance data, coaching experience and collaboration with medical staff to create individualised programmes that help players perform at their best. Seeing athletes develop both physically and professionally is the most rewarding part of my role.”
His studies at AUT prepared him to become a better problem solver, he says.
“While technical knowledge is essential, I've found that the ability to critically evaluate evidence, adapt to changing situations, and communicate effectively with coaches, athletes and medical staff is just as important. Those skills have been invaluable for working across professional baseball and international rugby.”
Advice for other students
Having graduated from AUT in 2021, Matoko has some great advice for other students.
“Stay curious and don't be afraid to ask questions. The most valuable part of my degree wasn't simply learning new information – it was learning how to think critically and apply research to real-world problems. Take every opportunity to connect your coursework with practical experience.”
Relationships matter just as much as technical knowledge, he adds.
“Continue learning, seek mentors and be willing to work in different environments because every experience will make you a better coach. High-performance sport is constantly evolving, so the coaches who stay curious, adapt and keep learning are the ones who build long and rewarding careers.”
