Matt Hartman has a much different outlook heading into 2026.
In 2025, he had no idea what he was walking into.
Hartman is a sophomore on the Archbishop Ryan High School soccer team, and unlike last year, he has a lot fewer questions heading into the season.
As a freshman, Hartman had everything it took to contribute right away for the Raiders, but an injury kept him out of the lineup at the start of the season.
That’s a problem for an experienced player. It can be devastating for a freshman who wants to compete right away.
But it wasn’t for Hartman.
“That was hard, especially because I was hurt at the start,” Hartman said. “I was injured in the beginning and missed the friendlies (preseason) and a PCL game with a quad injury. Coach (Ryan) Haney was excited to see me play and get me on the squad.
“I was nervous, my first game, it was against Lansdale. I didn’t start but played good minutes. I was nervous, but a lot of the guys brought me in well. I felt part of the team quickly, but starting in the PCL is nerve wracking.”
At least it was.
Hartman played key minutes all season, eventually working his way into the starting lineup.
Always one of the more skilled players on the field growing up, Hartman found out the Catholic League is a little different than playing in other leagues.
“I personally feel a lot different going into this year,” Hartman said. “I have experience, I know what to expect. High school soccer, your first year is tough. I never played against dudes that were that much older than me. Now I have experience and know what to expect. I think I can play a huge role on the team this year.
“Playing as a freshman gave me confidence. I felt that people didn’t notice I was a freshman. I held my ground pretty well. I thought I did pretty good, and I know it will definitely help me because I know what needs to be done.”
Experience is one big change Hartman is looking at this fall.
Another is a new position.
Last year the Raiders needed a boost on defense, so Hartman moved from his natural position of midfielder to shore up Ryan’s backline.
It worked well.
Hartman played his role perfectly, but also learned from the veteran defenders on how to play varsity soccer.
This year, he’s bringing that back to the midfield, the position he feels most at home at. He’s willing to play anywhere, whatever gets him on the field and whatever helps Ryan he’s open to doing, but he’s excited to go back to his old spot.
The Raiders made the playoffs, won a city championship and won a game in the state tournament, but Hartman is excited to get back to base.
“I liked playing defense, but I’d rather play midfield, that’s the position I’ve played my whole life,” Hartman said. “It will be less pressure, too, defending your goal in a big game is tough. If I move to midfield, it will help me. But I’ll play defense. Whatever we need, I’ll do. I just want to win, so I’ll do whatever they need. But my favorite position is midfield.
“I’m sure I’ll switch around a lot and play different positions. In our state game, I played midfield. I’ve always done that. For club soccer, midfield is my role, but when I was younger, I played defense. At the midfield, you can do a little bit of everything, you can control the game, you can dictate the tempo. But I like defense, too.”
His expectations for himself are a little higher, too.
Last year he was a sponge. He credited the seniors on last year’s team with helping him grow into the next good leader of the Raiders.
He’s only a sophomore, but he’s ready to take on that role.
“It’s a great feeling to know they count on me this year, and I’ll be ready to help,” Hartman said. “They gave me that confidence last year. I think senior Jack Stackhouse helped me a lot, He kind of showed me what a leader is, he was a great leader. He gave me the confidence, told me I’m a big part of the team. That gave me the confidence to play last year, and it’s helped me become a leader. I’m young, but I’m there for my teammates like Jack was.”
He credits Haney as well as all the coaches he had growing up and his teammates for turning him into the player he is. But he also is thankful to his family.
Both his parents are huge supporters, as is his older sister.
“Definitely my parents, my dad especially, he always pushes me,” Hartman said. “He actually drives me everywhere, and is always looking to help me get better, buys me equipment. My mom, too. And my sister. I have buddies that have confidence in me. They helped me become the best I can be.
“My sister goes to Wood, she does competitive dance. We push each other. We’re not competitive, but we are both in sports. I’m supportive of her and she’s very supportive of me. So we help each other.”
Hartman now just wants to lead the Raiders to a championship.
“We have a lot of potential,” Hartman said. “I love the summer, it’s when you grind. We’re grinding. We’re working, playing together. We’re doing what we need to do. We have to play well, but we have the potential to be good.” ••
