Matt Parks

Matt Parks

Founder of 2ND TO NONE

Matt's mission is to empower underdog athletes to rise above expectations and achieve greatness. From a young player who was often overlooked, Matt transformed his love for basketball into a purpose-driven career, dedicated to helping others reach their full potential. With a sharp focus on strategic skill development and mental resilience, Matt pushes athletes to "get uncomfortable" and excel beyond their limits.

Through 2ND TO NONE, he pours his heart into training young ballers, guiding them to not only master their game but also to believe in their ability to achieve anything through hard work and dedication. His influence stretches far beyond the court, as he sees every player not just as a client, but as family—helping them to rise from the underdog to the top of their game.

Underdog to Game Changer:

The Matt Parks Journey

  • The Early Passion: Love for the Game

    From Swan Valley High School, Matt Parks' love for basketball was undeniable. Overlooked and underestimated, he rose to become one of the top shooters in the state, earning All-Conference, All-Area, and All-State Honorable Mention honors. His high school success was just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the game.

  • Rising Above: The Collegiate Journey

    Matt's determination led him to North Park University in Chicago and later to Northwood University in Michigan. It was during these collegiate years that he discovered his true calling—not just to play the game, but to mentor and inspire others to achieve greatness, especially those who, like him, were once underestimated.

  • Beyond the Court: A Purpose-Driven Mission

    In 2011, Matt began his coaching career at Freeland SportsZone, where his impact quickly grew. He realized that success in basketball, and in life, goes beyond just physical skills. Matt’s approach involves understanding each athlete's personal and athletic goals, helping them navigate both the game and life with confidence and purpose.

  • Creating a Legacy: Building 2nd to None

    With a vision to uplift underdog athletes, Matt founded 2ND TO NONE. His influence extends from the court to college signing days, where he sees his athletes not as clients but as family. Matt's philosophy is simple: anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and the right guidance.

  • Bigger Than Basketball: Mentoring the Next Generation

    For Matt, it’s not just about developing basketball skills; it’s about shaping character. He challenges his athletes to "get uncomfortable" and push beyond their limits, instilling in them the belief that they can overcome any obstacle—on the court and in life. His training is about more than just basketball; it’s about building resilience, confidence, and a winning mindset.

Start Your Journey