REDLANDS, Calif. — The University of Redlands Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Gonzalez as its new Director of Athletic Facilities.

Gonzalez brings almost a decade of experience in athletics and sport operation leadership, most recently serving as the Senior Event Manager for the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), one of the country's premier youth and collegiate soccer platforms. In that role, he managed seven-figure operational budgets, led vendor and facility negotiations across regional and national markets, and oversaw large-scale event operations for showcases hosting up to 400 teams per weekend. Over his tenure with ECNL, he planned and executed 11 national showcases, while supporting an additional 10 across the league's broader ecosystem.

"Matthew's experience overseeing high-profile events, managing complex facility operations, and building strong partnerships makes him an outstanding addition to our leadership team," said Nikki Ayers, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. "As we continue investing in the future of Redlands Athletics, his expertise will be instrumental in enhancing our facilities, supporting our competitive success, and creating first-class experiences for our student-athletes and the broader Bulldog community."

Prior to his time at ECNL, Gonzalez served as the league's Internal Director of National Programming, where he directed operational logistics for 20 national selection games annually and built coordination frameworks linking coaching staff, league leadership, and participating clubs. Earlier in his career, he worked as the Operations Manager for RAD Work LLC, a national experiential sports events agency, where he helped launch and operationalize the first three years of MLS NEXT national events and managed activations for global brands including Nike, Adidas, Google, Red Bull, FIFA, CONCACAF, and LAFC — including operations for MLS All-Star Game activations. Gonzalez also spent time as an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Life Pacific University men's soccer program, giving him firsthand experience with the collegiate athletics environment he'll now help support in a facilities capacity.

Gonzalez holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from American College of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Multnomah University. 

As the Director of Athletic Facilities, Gonzalez will provide leadership for the management, maintenance, scheduling, and long-term development of the University's athletic venues. He will oversee facility operations, capital improvement and renovation projects, event and rental coordination, vendor and contractor partnerships, budget management, and facility scheduling to ensure Redlands Athletics provides safe, high-quality environments that support student-athlete success, campus engagement, and community events.  

"I'm excited to join the Bulldog family and carry forward the tradition of excellence and success," Gonzalez said.  "I look forward to serving our staff, coaches, and student-athletes while strengthening facility operations and supporting the growth and success of Bulldog Athletics."