Emmett Peixoto (1982– ) established himself as one of the premier figures in American handball, with a career marked by national titles, international representation, and a significant role in coaching and promoting the sport. Throughout that success, he donned the Winged “O.”
A native of Watsonville, Calif., his father introduced him to handball when he was 10 years old, but he did not get “hooked” until he was 12. He joined The Olympic Club in 1997 as a Junior member. Since then, he has represented the OC in handball competition and clinics throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland and Australia. At one point, he was ranked number one in the world and maintained a top four ranking for years.
Representing Team USA, Peixoto has competed in four World Championships since 2006, showcasing his skills on the international stage. Nationally, he’s been a presence on the podium since he was a junior, winning both the 19-and-under Junior National 4-Wall Championship and first-ever National 3-Wall Championship in 2000. He won national
3-wall titles in 2006, defeating Sean Lenning, and 2009, defeating Dave Chapman. He has also won two Canadian National titles and was the first American to win an Australian 3-Wall national title.
He suffered a severe shoulder injury in 2007 but, after recovery, won back-to-back National Doubles titles with David Chapman in 2008 and 2009. He also reached the National singles finals in back-to-back years in 2014 and 2015. He received the Olympian Award for Athletic
Excellence in 2015.
Peixoto has dominated Club handball competition since winning the first (of many) singles titles in 2003 and doubles titles in 2006. Beyond his playing career, Peixoto has made significant contributions as a coach, mentor and OC commissioner. Over his many years at the Club, he has mentored numerous players through junior, women’s and adult clinics, as well as one-on-one coaching. Through both his play and mentorship, he has built a lasting legacy at the Club.
