By Abdullah Ahmed
Matthew Prince, a rising senior and sports management major, leads the Adelphi men’s basketball team with skill and determination. As team captain, he not only dominates on the court but also sets an example for his teammates through his leadership and work ethic.
Originally from Boston, Prince honed his basketball skills in high school before bringing his talent and passion to Adelphi, where he has become a key player for the Panthers. Not only does he play, but he also has a role as a captain, which he said is both challenging and rewarding. As the leader on the court, the team relies on him to make smart decisions and guide them through every play. Prince’s leadership style is unique — he leads not just by action but by actively listening and adapting. He said he values feedback from both his coach and teammates, ensuring that every decision contributes to the team’s success.
“Growing up, I had a deep love for sports, playing soccer, flag football and basketball. However, basketball was always my true passion and I was determined to be the best,” Prince said. “One of my biggest inspirations was my father, a former athlete and lifelong sports enthusiast.”
He continued: “My father always used to tell me, ‘If you really like something, go after it,’ which became a guiding principle in my journey to becoming a leader on the court.”
During his time in Boston, Prince played for Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams and excelled. He had a strong relationship with his AAU coach, Coach Dave Duke, who later introduced him to Adelphi. That connection led Prince to join the Panthers and continue his basketball career at the collegiate level.
Prince’s daily routine includes weightlifting and shooting practice, both of which help him improve his skills while keeping him energized and motivated to win every game, he said. However, being an athlete isn’t just about performing on the court. Prince said his daily practice routine “requires intense work behind the scenes. From rigorous drills to strategic training sessions, every effort off the court contributes to making me a stronger, more disciplined player.”
As this is Prince’s last year at Adelphi, he said he hopes to leave behind a message of positivity, believing that choosing optimism over negativity is essential — not just in sports, but in life.
“There may be negativity all around you, and sometimes it might seem easier to take that route,” he said. “But surrounding yourself with positive people and making positive choices will ultimately help you grow into a better person.”
His coaches and teammates agree that Prince’s future is bright, shaped by his exemplary leadership skills and ability to engage and inspire those around him. He said he believes in getting everyone involved, a quality that defines great leaders. Looking ahead, Prince envisions himself as a physical education teacher, dedicated to shaping the next generation of athletes and leaders.
He is also currently building his own business, Matt Prince Training, which focuses on developing young athletes’ basketball skills while also instilling strong values. He said his goal is not just to help kids become great players but, more importantly, to guide them into becoming well-rounded individuals. With a passion for mentorship and leadership, he said he hopes to continue growing his vision and making a lasting impact.
One quote that Prince lives by every single day comes from the Bible. It’s a verse so meaningful to him that he had it tattooed on his left chest: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13).” It was his first tattoo, and he said he deeply values the message behind it. For Prince, it serves as a constant reminder to persevere through challenges, never give up and trust that hard work and dedication will ultimately be rewarded.
Prince’s journey to becoming a strong leader was shaped by years of hard work and four seasons of team-building experience. He said he believes his time at Adelphi has not only prepared him for future success, but also reinforced the university’s tradition of cultivating passionate, driven individuals who go on to make a difference in the world.
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