Matt was born and raised in Wallaceburg, where his love for sports began at the young age of 6 when he first laced up his skates for hockey. By the time he was 7, he found his true passion in lacrosse — a sport that quickly became home. Though he played hockey until he was 17, his dedication to lacrosse never wavered, leading to an impressive career that spanned until he was 23. Matt’s lacrosse journey started with the Wallaceburg Griffins, continued with the Wallaceburg Red Devils Junior B team, and wrapped up playing with a men’s tournament team out of Windsor. Lacrosse didn’t just shape Matt as an athlete — it connected him with his closest and dearest friends.

Matt was an old soul with a kind and generous heart. One Valentine’s Day, in a gesture that perfectly captured his spirit, he bought a dozen roses and spent the day driving around Wallaceburg with a friend, handing flowers to women walking alone — a simple, thoughtful act of kindness that truly defined who he was.

He was a proud brother to his sister Emily and an even prouder uncle. Beyond his love for sports and family, Matt was a talented pipe welder with big dreams of traveling the country for work. He took immense pride in his craft and his accomplishments, yet his heart always remained in Wallaceburg — the small, close-knit community that shaped him and the people he loved so deeply.

On Sunday, May 21, 2023, Matt, along with his dear friends Victoria Baertsoen and Shae-Lynn Bachus, were suddenly and tragically taken from us. Though they are gone, they will never be forgotten — and their memory continues to shine brightly.

One year after his passing, the inaugural Matt Cousins Memorial Golf Tournament was created. This special event brings together family, friends, and supporters to celebrate Matt’s life and honour his legacy by giving back to the sport he loved. Through this tournament, his passion for lacrosse lives on, inspiring the next generation of athletes to play with the same heart and dedication that Matt did.