For Matthew DuPuy, coaching has always been about more than what happens on the diamond. From the lessons he learned to the youth he has positively impacted, DuPuy always prioritizes and looks forward to creating a positive environment for the Little Leaguers® of Grosse Pointe Woods-Shores (Mich.) Little League.
“I work from home. I deal with numbers and work on my computer all day long. Having the opportunity to get outside, work with the kids, pass on the knowledge of the same game I played, and make sure they’re having a positive experience is an incredible feeling,” said DuPoy. “I’m grateful for the parents and kids who request me to be their coach every year; it makes me feel good knowing that I might be doing something right.”
Throughout DuPuy’s three-year journey in Little League®, he prides himself on three main philosophies when it comes to coaching, especially with the youngest division of play: play the game the right way, work leads to success, and most importantly, have fun.
Recognized as the April 2026 Little League Diamond Leader of the Month, Little League sat down with DuPuy for a Diamond Leader Discussion.
Why do you think it is important for coaches and volunteers to take the Little League Diamond Leader Training Program?
When I took the Little League Diamond Leader Training, everything clicked. A lot of the course is lessons I try to emphasize to my players, so it was easy for me to fall in love with it. It’s important for coaches and volunteers to complete the Little League Diamond Leader Training because it emphasizes creating a positive and safe environment where players feel respected and supported.
What lessons from the training do you plan to carry into future seasons?
The most important thing from the training that I plan to bring to my team is the significance of setting the tone. As coaches, you never know what kids are going through outside of the program. Little League should be an opportunity for a positive escape for some of those athletes. Creating a safe space at the fields and encouraging a positive attitude is what is most important to me. Another lesson that I learned through this training is accountability. This course isn’t just for coaches, but parents too. As coaches, we only have the opportunity to see your children a few times a week; we need parents to continue to be Diamond Leaders off the field and at home to educate their kids on the values that Little League embodies.
Why should someone volunteer as a Little League coach?
Coaches can have a lasting impact on a child’s life. Growing up, I remember my dad was my first coach, and he always taught me lessons that went far beyond the diamond. Other coaches reinforced those lessons, like hard work, accountability, and doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching. As a volunteer coach, you have the chance to be that person for someone else. Some players may not have stability elsewhere, and as a coach, you can be that consistent, positive presence that a kid may need.
What does it mean to you to be a Diamond Leader, and why should others strive to be one on the field?
Every interaction with a player is a chance to shape their life in some way. Those opportunities are rare, and being a Diamond Leader means making the most of them. Others should strive to teach patience, handling pressure, and guiding kids through challenges, not just in sports but in life. You can be that voice behind them, building confidence and helping them believe in themselves. The most important thing, as a Diamond Leader, is to ensure that your athletes are having fun. If they are not having fun, I ask myself what I need to do differently. That is what being a Diamond Leader is all about.
The Little League Diamond Leader program, which was first piloted with nearly 1,000 Little League volunteers throughout the 2022 season, was created as part of the Susan Crown Exchange’s Million Coaches Challenge and developed in coordination with the Aspen Institute’s Project Play. Focused on ensuring children have a positive, well-rounded experience on and off the field, the Little League Diamond Leader Training Program is a FREE educational resource that provides coaches with an understanding of the impact that mental, social, and emotional well-being has in youth sports through detailed information, interactive scenarios, and a variety of additional resources. Learn more and become a Diamond Leader yourself by visiting LittleLeague.org/DiamondLeader.