Colin Cole
Defensive Tackle, Carolina Panthers
“After a successful 2010 season with the Seattle Seahawks that included me missing five games due to an ankle injury, I had to have a serious reconstructive surgery on my ankle to repair ligament damage. I then had to have my leg in a boot and couldn’t put any pressure on it for four months, while it healed.
When I finally had the opportunity to start preparing for the 2011 season, I missed so much time and was in such bad physical condition that I was released from the team. I immediately started training with Donny and his team to start preparing for other opportunities. Unfortunately I ended up having to have a fourth surgery to completely remove all hardware from my ankle.
Once I was cleared by my doctor to start training again, I had not played football for a full year and a half. It was at this point that I really ramped up my training with Donny. He helped me every step of the way to get ready for football again. Donny’s in-depth knowledge of athletics and the function of the body, helped me to get back into peak physical shape and confidence–not only in my body, but specifically my ankle.
Without Donny and his team, I would not have been able to sign a new contract with the Carolina Panthers and continue my successful career. I owe a lot to DM Athletics and I recommend them to any serious person that wants to become the best possible athlete they can be.”
Semisi Tokolahi
Defensive Linemen University of Washington 2009-2012
“While I completed my college career as a University of Washington football player, I began thinking of a place in which I could prepare myself for my pro day. I had experienced a very serious leg injury—breaking my fibula and dislocating my ankle. The nerve damage created contractions in my toes. In my search for a training facility, I came across DM Athletics and it was the best discovery I made.
Donny at DM Athletics is very knowledgable about about sports training–especially for a guy like myself whom suffered from an injury. He was able to pinpoint my weaknesses and areas of my body that needed work, because I had overcompensated for my ankle. The training at DM Athletics definitely prepared me well–whether it was for my pro day, or work outs with NFL teams. It enabled me to be more confident and functional on my ankle as well as the rest of my body.
I can honestly say that this is the best my ankle has felt since my injury. I’m so happy with my results, and I owe a lot to them. I would highly recommend DM Athletics to anyone who is serious about training and getting their body in the best physical shape.”
Dr. Lief Hands
Donny is as educated, passionate, and professional of a trainer that I have found. His methods of using functional movement screening eliminate any guess work. In the past my experience has been that a trainer repeats their workouts and do not pick up on my weaknesses. Donny quickly identified where I was lacking and developed a program to steadily increase the challenges as I grew stronger. This is more than becoming faster and stronger. Injury prevention and durability are also addressed.
There were a variety of athletes in the facility over the months that I trained. High school, college, and professional athletes next to working professionals such as myself. Everybody was treated
Anthony Gobern
Corner Back University of Washington 2008-2012
“Donny and his staff analysis of athletic performance are helpful to anyone who wants to be their best.
After my senior season at the University of Washington, I wanted to take my Football experience to the professional level. Initially, I was surprised when Donny contacted me and offered his training facility, knowledge, and time to help me get ready for the next level.
When I first arrived at the gym I was tested on the FMS which showed that I needed improvement on my hip flexibility and shoulder stability. Donny explained to me that the FMS showed I was strong in other aspects, yet Donny wanted to hone in on creating a program for me that would greatly improve these areas and prepare me so I can perform at a Professional level.
With Donny and his team helping me every day I was able to perform exceptionally well at my Pro Day and received contact info from teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, and the Seattle Seahawks.
I can say without a doubt, after training with this program for four months that I feel more confident in my hip flexibility and shoulder stability than I have ever felt. I am glad I chose to train with Donny and his knowledgeable staff as they have trained me at the professional level.”
Alex Keough
Head Strength Coach, Seattle University
“I fully endorse and recommend DM Athletics to anyone looking to take their game to the next level. Donny has the knowledge and dedication that it takes to help you achieve your goals. His research based methods have improved athletes of all sports.
Donny focuses not only on getting you stronger, faster, and more explosive, but also focuses on injury prevention–an often overlooked aspect of the strength training process. His knowledge and background are unparalleled amongst his peers in the field. DM Athletics will get you results, no questions asked. I wouldn’t hesitate to send any athlete I work with to Donny, as I know they would receive the best training in the area, hands down.”
Coach Butch Goncharoff
Head Football Coach, Bellevue High School
“Having our kids work with Donny is a huge reason why we are able to be so successful, especially this year when everyone counted us out.”
Dr. Richard Levine
I am very impressed with the knowledge and skill demonstrated by Donny Mateaki at DM Athletics. My son has been training with Donny since his High School football days, and continues to do so now that he’s playing College ball. As a chiropractor who has many student athletes and weekend warriors for patients, I am confident that when I refer them to DM Athletics, they are in expert hands for their strength and conditioning training.
Christoph Hirota
“After having great workouts with DM Athletics, I had a fantastic track and football season. Donny had perfect workouts, and he knew what was best for my body. He can improve anybody in just one session, with his knowledge. For the USATF Junior Olympics, I placed 10th in the nation for long jump. Also in football, I started both ways and ended with 15+ touchdowns by the end of the year.
In 2013, with less then four weeks until the regional meet and not knowing if I would be able to make Nationals again, I knew I needed DM Athletics to become faster and stronger. Donny knew exactly what I needed to be top 5 in the region. On the day of the meet, I ran my best 100 and 200 time ever and longest jump ever. I improved in the 100 by .3 seconds — almost a second off my 200 and a foot longer in my long jump. It wouldn’t have been possible without DM Athletics.”
C.J. Ryan
Arizona State Football
“In the last few years, I have been trained by DM Athletics in my preparation to play college football. I must say as someone who has played 2 college sports and been through two college training staffs, that Donny is better than anything that I have had. Not only does he know the lifts and technique, but he also knows the mindset and intensity you will need to move on to the next level.
If it hadn’t been for DM Athletics, I honestly don’t think I could of competed on the collegiate level. Donny is also very good at helping with recovery. He helped me strengthen my knee post-surgery in 2010. He has sent many athletes to the next level and I really do think that he is the key to being successful not only in High School sports, but with moving on to the next level.”
Leroy Lutu
University of Hawaii Safety 2010-21012
“After playing four years of high-level collegiate basketball and football at the University of Hawaii, I learned to understand the importance of not only just training, but also how you train.What it really comes down to is “Who” you choose to train with. After being involved with a number of different strength and conditioning coaches over the years, I can honestly and confidently say that Donny is as good as anyone in the country.
Donny has the knowledge and understanding of the human body and blends it with a training program that is tailored to your own unique goals. Five weeks into my senior season of football, I tore the labrum in my right shoulder. At the end of the year, it was evident I needed to undergo surgery to repair my shoulder. It was an unfortunate and untimely injury.
Typically, this sort of injury takes anywhere from 5-6 months for a full recovery. Nevertheless, after the surgery, I immediately linked up with Donny to begin preparing for my Pro-Day and NFL regional combines. Within the first month back, I saw significant improvement in all aspects – my explosiveness, strength, conditioning, and coordinating all began to come back. Now, after three months of training with Donny, I am more muscular and strong than ever before–I am literally asked if I am on steroids by some of my closest friends and family.
My explosiveness and conditioning is at an all time high, and I achieved the highest in the nation of all possible draftees at the NFL combines with a 42inch vertical – not to mention that my shoulder is nearly 100%. I am one step closer to the opportunity and lifetime dream of playing in the NFL.
There is no doubt in my mind that none of this would have been accomplished without the help from Donny and his team. I have only thanks and praise to DM Athletics and highly recommend them to anyone who is serious about their body and being the best possible athlete they can be. Achieve your potential.”
Emily B
Jackson High School & North Sound Elite Titans Basketball
“My whole experience with DM Athletics and the trainers has been great. I’ve learned and grown a lot as a player. Physically I feel stronger and faster. I’ve learned that hard work pays off. I’m excited to keep getting better and grow as a player.”
Isaac S
When I started training with Donny, I didn’t know what to expect. But, after a few times working out with him, the results were visible in my improved fitness. What I liked best about Donny, though, was that he has a holistic approach to well-being.
He talked to me about eating right and keeping active outside of our schedule. And that’s something that helps me even now when I am traveling half the month and don’t have the time to train with him regularly.
I highly recommend Donny to anyone wanting a trainer who gives each client his individual attention and helps them achieve their goals.
Chris H
My son began working out with Donny about six months ago and it is amazing to see how quickly he improved his athletic ability. My son is a Junior Olympic runner and long jumper. He was able to increase his running speed and his strength to jump further in a very short amount of period working with Donny.
He was able to rank nationally in running and be in the top 10 in his long jump. My son also has a great time and enjoys working out with Donny even if he gives hard workouts. I would highly recommend to see Donny because he is a great trainer!
