About the Author
Matt Kinnick is an educator, student-athlete academic support professional, and former collegiate football player who is passionate about helping student-athletes maximize their potential on and off the field.
A graduate of West Virginia State University, Matt was a four-year starting quarterback, four-time team captain, and Leadership Council member. He earned recognition on the All-MEC Academic Team, 1st Team All-MEC, was a finalist for the Mountain East Conference Male Student-Athlete of the Year Award, and finished his playing career as the school's all-time leading passer. These experiences helped shape his belief that long-term success is built through preparation, accountability, leadership, and consistent daily habits.
Professionally, Matt has spent his career working with student-athletes at two Power 4 institutions, helping them navigate the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and personal development. Through his work, he has supported numerous student-athletes in developing the skills, systems, and mindset needed to succeed in college and prepare for life after sport.
Matt earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership from West Virginia State University before completing a Master of Business Administration and Graduate Certificate in Human Resources through the University of Tennessee at Martin. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Applied Learning and Leadership through the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Academic Playmakers combines Matt's experiences as both a student-athlete and educator into a practical resource designed to help athletes take ownership of their education, build transferable skills, and create a game plan for success that extends far beyond the final whistle.
Why I Wrote Academic Playmakers
Throughout my experiences as both a student-athlete and educator, I have learned that success is rarely determined by talent alone.
The most successful student-athletes are often those who develop strong habits, take ownership of their responsibilities, remain coachable, and consistently do the small things well. They understand that success in the classroom, just like success in sports, is built through preparation, discipline, and daily execution.
As a student-athlete at West Virginia State University, I was fortunate to have coaches, professors, and mentors who challenged me to grow both on and off the field. They taught me the importance of accountability, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and preparing for life beyond athletics. Those lessons shaped who I am today.
Since beginning my career in student-athlete academic support, I have seen that many students arrive on campus with tremendous potential but without the tools, systems, or confidence needed to fully maximize it. Skills such as time management, organization, communication, note-taking, and effective study strategies are not always explicitly taught, yet they often make the difference between simply getting by and truly thriving.
That is why I wrote Academic Playmakers.
My goal is to provide student-athletes with a practical resource that helps them become more confident, self-aware, and intentional in their approach to academics and personal development. I hope this book helps readers build skills that not only improve their academic performance, but also prepare them for success long after their playing careers come to an end.
Being a student-athlete opens the door to countless opportunities. My hope is that Academic Playmakers helps you make the most of them.
Beyond the Book
I grew up in St. Clairsville, Ohio, where sports, education, and family played a major role in shaping who I am today. Those values continue to influence my work as an educator, mentor, and author.
When I'm not working with student-athletes or writing, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, attending sporting events, exploring new places, and continuously learning and growing both personally and professionally.
My goal is simple: help student-athletes recognize their potential, maximize their opportunities, and develop skills that will serve them long after their playing careers come to an end.