Anderson was born in Buffalo, New York to Michael and Nancy Anderson. His father, Michael Anderson, died in January 2010. He has three older sisters named Jennifer, Joelle and Amy and one older brother named Joshua. Joelle and Amy both played volleyball in their college years. Has a tattoo on his wrist in honor of his nephew Tristin, who is autistic. Also had a tattoo in honor of his late father. Matt graduated from West Seneca West Senior High School in 2005. Engaged to fiancé Jackie Gillum since May 2019 who gave birth to their son Michael James “Jamie” Anderson on January 31st, 2020. , Poland
Career
Clubs
In his senior year, he led the West Seneca boys' volleyball team to a 17-0 regular-season record and a Sectional Finals appearance, losing to eventual state champion, Hamburg, in 3 sets. In 2004, the team were the 2004 Division I State Champions. He played club volleyball for Eden Volleyball Club in Eden, New York. Anderson followed an uncharacteristic growth path in his youth – only reaching his full height as a Sophomore at Penn State. His original position was middle – playing that in his Sophomore and Junior seasons of high school. As he became more experienced in the game, he spent more time in the Outside and Right-side for Eden VBC. He ranks amongst the top alumni of the distinguished club to this day. Anderson finished his career in Penn State with 1,212 kills and 82 aces, both which rank in the top 13 in Penn State history. He had a decorated career, especially in 2008 as he helped lead the Nittany Lions to their second ever NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship against Pepperdine. He was named the NCAA ChampionshipMost Outstanding Player for his 29 kill performance against the Waves. Other awards for 2008 include EIVAPlayer of the Year, AVCA National Player of the Year, AVCA First Team All-America, and All-EIVA First Team. On July 1, 2008, he announced he would forgo his 2009 senior year at Penn State and signed a professional contract with Hyundai Capital Skywalkers of the Korean League In his debut season, Anderson helped the Skywalkers claim first in the regular season before losing 3-1 in the championship series. Season 2010–2011 spent in the Italian League as a player of Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia. Then he moved to Casa Modena. Since 2012, he has played for Russian club, Zenit Kazan. With this club, he won a bronze medal in the Russian Championship and CEV Champions League in 2012–2013. In the season 2013–2014, his team won the title of Russian Champion and Anderson was the Most Valuable Player of the Russian League. On October 29, 2014, Anderson suspended his volleyball career. He asked for the termination of the contract with Zenit Kazan because of depression. On December 26, 2014 Anderson announced his return to Zenit Kazan, but only in CEV Champions League matches. On February 13, 2017, Anderson announced that he had signed a contract to remain with Zenit Kazan for another season. Anderson decided to return to Modena Volley for the 2019–20 season.
