When Matt Lottich was just seven months old, his father Dave Lottich stepped into a courtroom and emerged as his sole guardian, a decision that would set the tone for a life built around sacrifice and ambition.
Determined to give his son the best chances, Dave relocated repeatedly, often uprooting the family to chase better schools, training facilities and competition circuits, a pattern that would become a hallmark of their journey.
At New Trier High School in Illinois, Matt quickly rose to prominence, earning the label of the state’s top athlete by 2000 and dazzling on the basketball court as a freshman, a feat that attracted the attention of national recruiters.
Dave’s willingness to pause his own career was evident when he left college in Tennessee after achieving a perfect SAT score, a move that cleared the path for him to support Matt’s burgeoning basketball schedule and academic pursuits.
A call from Stanford’s recruiting staff, sparked by Dave’s own outreach, opened the door for Matt to join the Cardinal, where he would later become a Wooden Award finalist and a staple of four NCAA tournament runs.
Beyond the hardwood, Matt’s personal life has taken shape in Arizona, where he now coaches at Grand Canyon University, raising a family of four with his wife while striving to emulate the supportive father he once had.
A Legacy of Support
The values instilled by Dave — perseverance, humility and a commitment to family — continue to shape Matt’s approach as a coach and father, ensuring that the next generation inherits a legacy of dedication.
Even at 73, Dave remains far from retired, often adjusting his work schedule to attend games, practices and family milestones, a testament to a bond that transcends generations.