United leadership team
Matt Hickey
Founder
Matt Hickey grew up on Long Island as the youngest of five brothers, all of whom share a passion for wrestling. He started wrestling at the age of 6 and went on to earn a place in the Long Island Century Club with over 100 high school wins. He took 2nd place in the prestigious New York State Wrestling Championships before continuing his career at Hofstra University. He completed his academic journey at North Carolina State University, graduating with a degree in Public Relations. With over 25 years of experience as a business leader and entrepreneur, Matt has founded and built successful teams and companies in the technology industry. His leadership and vision have driven him, along with his partners Michael Macchiavello and Colton Palmer, to co-found NC United, where they combine their passion for North Carolina wrestling and commitment to elevating the state to a premier wrestling powerhouse by fostering unity, excellence, and expanding opportunities for all levels of wrestlers throughout the state. Matt lives in Raleigh, NC, with his wife of 21 years, Lisa, and their three children: daughter Abigail and sons Liam and Gavin.
Colton Palmer
Founder
Colton Palmer’s wrestling journey began at the age of 5 in Durham, North Carolina, following in the footsteps of his older brothers, Austen and Brandon. He quickly made his mark on the national stage, earning All-American honors and winning an NHSCA National Championship by the 8th grade. In high school, Colton competed for Riverside High School, where he helped secure two NCHSAA State Dual titles and captured his first individual state championship with a perfect 61-0 record in 2005. Despite an injury in his junior year, he bounced back to claim a second state title in 2007, ending his career with 284 wins, a national record at the time. Colton continued his career at NC State University, where he was a four-year letter winner, co-captain, and a nationally ranked NCAA Tournament qualifier. Now, as VP Enterprise Strategy & Development at Strategic Executives Agency, Colton brings the same leadership and dedication to his professional endeavors helping organizations achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence. As the founder of NC Wrestling United and a volunteer coach, and board member for NC USA Wrestling, Colton continues to share his passion for wrestling and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Mike Machiavello
Founder
Michael Macchiavello grew up in the Monroe/Indian Trail area of North Carolina. A Union County native, he is the second oldest of five siblings, one who also shares a passion for wrestling and currently wrestles for NC State University his Alma Mater (Andrew Macchiavello). He started wrestling at the age of 14. He went on to become a 1x NC High School state champion before continuing his career at NC State University where he capped off his career with a National Championship at 197lbs becoming only the second NC Native to ever win a Division I NCAA Championship in the history of the state. Michael went on to graduate from North Carolina State University with a Business Administration degree concentrating in Finance while also obtaining a Masters Degree in Arts in Liberal Studies focusing on communication, psychology, and business. Having gone on to represent Team USA internationally competing as part of the US National Team for the past 5 years, Michael has also served on the USA Wrestling Board of Directors, USA Wrestling Executive Committee as well as the Athlete Advisory Committee which serves to the voice of the athletes similar to the NFLPA and NBPA. Having been born and raised in the state of NC, Michael shares a deeply rooted connection to the state of North Carolina.
Josh Wilson
Coach & Mentor
osh Wilson is a highly accomplished wrestler at Greensboro College. He has achieved numerous accolades, including being a one-time NCWA All-American, a three-time NCAA Division III All-American, a one-time NCAA National Champion, and a two-time Scholar All-American. In addition to his success in college wrestling, Josh Wilson also serves as a coach at Spartan Elite Wrestling Club, where he mentors and develops young athletes. He is a dedicated student-athlete, balancing his passion for wrestling with academics, pursuing a major in English Communication and a minor in Sports Communication. His commitment to sports and education reflects his leadership on and off the mat, inspiring others through his achievements and guidance.