NAPLES, FL (June 18, 2026) — For Gulfstream Homes, building a foundation in Southwest Florida means more than just residential construction; it means investing in the character, leadership, and future of the next generation. Today, the firm is proud to highlight its ongoing community partnership with the Naples Knights Softball organization, a collaboration that has culminated in a deeply meaningful “full-circle” moment for both organizations.
The Naples Knights were founded in 2021 by Gulfstream Homes Project Manager David Matulay and his wife Christine, along with Ashley Spencer—a former collegiate softball player—and a group of local families dedicated to filling a growing need for competitive travel softball in Collier County. From its inception, the organization has been committed to athletic development paired with character and leadership training, fostering an environment where young athletes learn accountability, resilience, and teamwork.
The Full-Circle Scholarship
The first Naples Knights softball team
Central to this year’s partnership is the Naples Knights Scholarship Program, an inaugural initiative designed to reward student-athletes who demonstrate excellence on the field and in the classroom.
The program holds profound personal significance for co-founder Christine Matulay. Years ago, as a high school student, Christine was a recipient of a college scholarship provided by Gulfstream Homes, an investment that helped shape her own academic future. In 2026, Gulfstream Homes served as a primary benefactor for the Naples Knights’ inaugural scholarship, allowing Christine to partner with the same organization that once supported her to now provide that same opportunity to a deserving student-athlete.
“Partnerships like the one we have with Gulfstream Homes remind our players that they have an entire community behind them,” said Christine Matulay. “Their support goes beyond sponsorship—it helps create opportunities, rewards hard work, and shows our athletes that local businesses believe in their future. Being able to work with them years later to provide that same opportunity to one of our athletes is incredibly meaningful”.
The Naples Knights softball team on a beach cleanup day
A Cornerstone of Community Stewardship
Gulfstream Homes’ commitment extends well beyond the softball diamond. The company maintains an active portfolio of support for Collier County’s youth through consistent contributions to local schools and organizations, including Aubrey Rogers High School, the Naples Bears, Palmetto Ridge, and East Naples Middle School, recently supporting the latter for Teacher’s Appreciation Week.
“At Gulfstream Homes, we believe youth sports are strongest when local businesses invest in the next generation,” said Michael Peel, Co-Founder of Gulfstream Homes. “We are honored to support the Naples Knights in their mission to build leaders, and we are especially proud to see the impact of our scholarship program come full circle in such a transformative way”.
The Naples Knights continue to rely on the generosity of local businesses to provide essential equipment, player development, and scholarship opportunities. By investing in these athletes, Gulfstream Homes helps ensure that the lessons learned through youth sports—teamwork, academics, and personal responsibility—remain the foundation for future success.
For more information about the Naples Knights Softball organization, please visit www.naplesknightssoftball.com.
About Gulfstream Homes
Since 1998, Gulfstream Homes has been a premier design-build firm in Southwest Florida. Specializing in luxury custom homes and large-scale renovations, the company is dedicated to architectural excellence, structural integrity, and community stewardship.
About Naples Knights Softball
Founded in 2021, the Naples Knights Softball organization is a nonprofit travel softball program serving Southwest Florida. Dedicated to athletic and character development, the Knights strive to create an environment where young athletes excel as students, professionals, and community leaders.
