Q&A with Arizona's Most Winning Intramural Athlete of All Time

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Meet Arizona’s Best Athlete You’ve Never Heard Of

We chatted with Matthew Greenfield – the most winning intramural athlete in University of Arizona history – about his experience. With 351 games played, 292 wins, and an overall win percentage of 83%, Matt still has a season and a half to amp up these numbers before he graduates in May, leaving the U of A with two degrees – a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science, both in Biomedical Engineering.

Learn more about how competing as an intramural athlete shaped him, and what he’d say to first-timers looking to get involved.

What first spurred your interest in intramural sports at the U of A?

I have always been passionate about sports and competition, and intramural athletics gave me the opportunity to compete directly against fellow classmates. That connection made every game feel more meaningful and pushed me to continually improve.

If you had to explain intramurals to someone who doesn’t know what they are, what would you say?

Intramural sports are a chance for you and your friends to play with and against fellow classmates in a structured, competitive environment. They create healthy rivalries that often turn into long-lasting friendships, while giving students an accessible way to stay active, build community, and compete regardless of prior athletic experience.

What do you think people misunderstand most about intramural sports?

A common misconception is that you need prior experience to compete in intramural sports, but that isn’t true. With recreational, co-recreational, and competitive divisions, there’s a level for everyone, and many of the sports I played were ones I had never tried before intramurals. The program is intentionally inclusive and makes it easy for students to step outside their comfort zones and get involved.

Why are intramurals a good way to try something new – especially for students who don’t see themselves as ‘athletes’?

Intramurals are a great way to try something new because they lower the barrier to entry and create a supportive environment for learning. Improvement comes from trying, failing, and sticking with it over time, something I experienced firsthand through both wins and losses. Those challenges are part of what makes intramurals welcoming for students who may not initially see themselves as athletes.

What would you say to someone who’s interested but nervous to sign up?

Later in life, no one looks back and regrets getting outside and getting their body moving. Life is too short to worry about being good or bad or being afraid of failure, especially when intramurals offer flexible scheduling and a low-risk way to try. More often than not, people are surprised by how much fun intramurals actually are.

What’s the most meaningful aspect of playing intramurals for you personally?

Without a doubt, the most meaningful part of playing intramurals has been the memories I’ve made with my brother Jeffrey Greenfield (#2 all-time) and my other “brother” Kobee Austria (#3 all-time). All three of us are from Kansas, went to the same high school, and have been playing together for years – I honestly couldn’t have reached the top without them. Beyond the wins, the shared experiences, teamwork, and lifelong friendships are what I’ll carry with me long after intramurals are over.

You posted on LinkedIn about your accomplishment, why?

I shared it on LinkedIn because the current job market is highly competitive, so I figured I would post anything I could that is unique to me. On top of that, I wanted to highlight something that reflects long-term commitment and consistency, in a different manner than school or work. Beyond the wins, intramurals represent teamwork, leadership, time management, and resilience, qualities that translate well beyond sports and into professional environments.

How easy is it to get started with intramural sports, from your experience?

Getting started with intramurals is very simple – all it takes is buying an IMLeague pass. Even if you don’t have a team, you can sign up as a free agent and be placed on a team that needs players. I’ve seen so many students connect with new teammates this way, sometimes even meeting future roommates or lifelong friends.

Can you tell us about your most memorable win?

Without question, my most memorable win was the semifinal game my flag football team, TEEM HEEM, played in where I broke my leg. Not because of the injury, but because of what it represented. We were missing four of our best players – our starting quarterback and three of our four starting wide receivers – and were facing a team that had already beaten us earlier that season when we were at full strength. Despite the odds, I believed that if we played the best defense of our lives, we could win. Late in the first half, while playing safety, I dove to break up a pass and felt a snap in my leg. By halftime I knew something was wrong. But I knew if I sat out the second half, there was a good chance that we would lose. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for my teammates, so I played the entire rest of the game with a fully broken leg. We won 13–7, and when the game ended, I couldn’t walk – but I’d do it again without hesitation.

Any advice for signing up for your first season?

Don’t get discouraged if your first season or two involves some losses – many teams you face have been playing together for years and have built strong chemistry. Those early challenges are part of the journey, and learning to work together as a team makes eventual victories even more rewarding. Overcoming those seasons of growth is what makes the experience truly special and is applicable to so many other things besides intramurals in life.

How would you describe the range of competitiveness and physical intensity across intramural sports?

The level of competitiveness and physical intensity in intramurals varies depending on the division and sport. Some games, especially in playoffs, are highly competitive and physically demanding, while others are played more casually. Having played over 350 games, I’ve seen there’s a strong balance that allows everyone to find a level that fits their style and comfort.

How do intramurals balance competition with fun?

I find that all competition can be fun, and the challenge of going head-to-head with someone both physically and mentally is a thrill for me. Intramurals balance this by keeping the environment inclusive and low-pressure, so while you’re striving to win, there’s always room to joke, make friends, and enjoy the experience. That combination of challenge and camaraderie is what keeps people like me coming back game after game.

What keeps you coming back season after season?

What keeps me coming back season after season is the love of the game and the drive to chase another championship, but even more importantly, it’s the opportunity to share that success with my teammates. Intramurals have taught me that individual talent only goes so far – it’s the collaboration, support, and energy of the team that truly makes victories meaningful. Being part of that journey with others, celebrating wins and learning from losses together, is what makes every season unforgettable.

If someone plays just one intramural season during college, what do you hope they get out of it?

Even if someone only plays one season, I hope they gain a sense of camaraderie, personal growth, and confidence in trying something new. Intramurals offer the chance to make friends, challenge yourself, and create memories that last well beyond the game. Ultimately, it’s about enjoying the experience and discovering what teamwork and perseverance can teach you.

Learn more about how to get started with intramurals at the U of A in Your Guide to Intramural Sports.