College Football Player by Day, High School Head Coach by Night | The Andrew Mendel Story

How does a 20-year-old college football player become the head coach of a high school basketball program? In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, Shane Larson sits down with Andrew Mendel, a current defensive end at Ithaca College and the head boys basketball coach at Newfield High School in Newfield, New York. Andrew’s story is one of the most unique coaching stories we’ve had on the podcast. While still competing as a college football player, he is also leading a high school basketball program, building culture, managing athletes, preparing practices, watching film, and pouring into the Newfield community. This conversation goes far beyond basketball and football. Andrew talks about how he first became obsessed with coaching and leadership at a young age, how he started learning from coaches while he was still in high school, and why genuine relationships matter more than X’s and O’s when building a team. We also dive into what it’s really like to balance life as a college athlete with the responsibilities of being a varsity basketball head coach. Andrew shares how being coached every day at Ithaca College helps him become a better basketball coach, and how coaching high school athletes helps him become a better football player, communicator, and leader. If you are a young coach, high school athlete, college athlete, athletic director, parent, or someone who cares about leadership, culture, and player development, this episode is packed with value. In this episode, we discuss: Andrew Mendel’s unique path as a 20-year-old head coach Playing college football at Ithaca College Coaching boys basketball at Newfield High School How to balance college athletics, school, internships, and coaching Why leadership has no age limit How young coaches can earn trust from players The importance of building real relationships with athletes Why culture matters more than X’s and O’s How Newfield basketball is connected to the community What it takes to build a high school basketball program The grind of college football at the Division III level Why being a player makes Andrew a better coach Why being a coach makes Andrew a better player The importance of work ethic, humility, and staying hungry The three pillars of Newfield basketball: work hard, be a great teammate, and enjoy the journey Andrew also shares powerful insight on why coaching is about more than wins and losses. To him, it’s about believing in people, helping young athletes become better people, and showing up every day with purpose. This is an incredible conversation for anyone interested in coaching, leadership, high school basketball, college football, athlete development, and what it really takes to build a program. Watch the full episode now and make sure to subscribe to The Gametime Guru for more interviews with athletes, coaches, and sports figures from around the world. Follow / Learn More: Andrew Mendel – Ithaca College Football Profile: https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/f... Newfield Athletics: https://www.newfieldschools.org/page/... Newfield Boys Basketball Schedule: https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/school... The Gametime Guru YouTube:    / @thegametimeguru   Follow and subscribe to The Gametime Guru for more interviews with athletes, coaches, and sports figures from around the world. 0:00 – Meet Andrew Mendel: 20-Year-Old Head Coach and College Football Player 1:29 – Welcome to The Gametime Guru Podcast 2:10 – Andrew’s Unique Story Begins 3:01 – Current Role: Ithaca Football and Newfield Basketball 4:20 – Growing Up Around Sports and Leadership 4:46 – Getting Obsessed with Coaching in High School 5:19 – Becoming a Varsity Assistant After Graduation 6:06 – Starting Phantom Hoops AAU Program 7:15 – How Andrew Landed the Newfield Head Coaching Job 9:02 – Why Relationships Matter More Than X’s and O’s 11:21 – Building a Low-Cost AAU Program the Right Way 13:44 – Transitioning from High School Athlete to College Football Player 14:49 – The Grind of College Football at Ithaca 19:00 – Balancing Football, School, Internship, and Coaching 19:41 – How Being a Player Makes Andrew a Better Coach 23:49 – Leadership Has No Age Limit 26:08 – How Andrew Handles Tough Days and Still Shows Up 28:32 – Favorite Memory as an Ithaca Football Player 31:22 – Favorite Moment Coaching Newfield Basketball 33:33 – Why Newfield Means So Much to Andrew 35:46 – Newfield’s Three Pillars: Work Hard, Be a Great Teammate, Enjoy the Journey 42:23 – The Biggest Life Lesson Sports Have Taught Andrew 44:29 – Final Thoughts: Go Trojans and Go Bombers #AndrewMendel #IthacaFootball #NewfieldBasketball #TheGametimeGuru