By Olivia Jones
At Ardmore High School, Matthew Felder is more than just a name on the roster; he’s a junior running back with a relentless drive, a powerful story, and a passion for competition that sets him apart. Whether he’s grinding through football season or dominating the weight room in powerlifting, Matt’s motivation comes from the people closest to him. “My teammates, friends, and family are what keep me going,” he said. “But my mom is my biggest role model. She’s always shown me that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
Matt’s foundation for success was laid early, thanks in part to a special educator. “Mr. Tutor, my fifth-grade teacher, had a huge impact on my life,” he shared. “He made school fun and showed me it’s okay to enjoy learning.” He believes that hard work beats talent. This mindset has driven his growth as an athlete. “It’s all about pushing through and never giving up,” he said. That mindset helped him earn one of his proudest moments to date: scoring his first touchdown on varsity, a memory he says will stick with him forever.
No game gets him more fired up than one against the Ada Cougars, Ardmore’s biggest rival. “There’s nothing better than beating Ada. It’s always personal, and it means a lot to our team and our school.” At practice, Matt credits Kdrien Miller as the teammate who pushes him the most. “Every play, every rep, we make each other better. That competition is what helps us grow.”
When he’s not training or competing, you can find Matt drawing inspiration from Kevin Durant on social media. “He’s always been a big influence in my life. His work ethic and mindset really speak to me.” Though he’s not involved in campus clubs or organizations, he knows how much discipline it takes to stay on top of both academics and athletics. “Balancing schoolwork with sports takes grit. You’ve got to stay focused and keep pushing.”
Representing Ardmore means everything to Matt. “Every time I put on that jersey, I know I’m playing for my school, my team, and my community. That’s a big deal to me.” Before games, he gets locked in by blasting “We Paid” by Lil Baby. His favorite NFL player is Lamar Jackson, and he dreams of playing at the University of Texas. And if he wasn’t playing football? “I’d be running track,” he said.
With his heart in the game and his eyes on the future, Matt Felder is making every play count—leaving his mark on Ardmore football, one yard at a time.
