Andrew Mendel: 20-Year-Old Head Coach and Ithaca College Football Player In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, Shane Larson sits down with Andrew Mendel, one of the most unique guests we have had on the show. Andrew is a current college football player at Ithaca College, where he plays defensive end, and he is also the head boys basketball coach at Newfield High School in Newfield, New York. At just 20 years old, Andrew is balancing college football, academics, internships, leadership responsibilities, film study, practice planning, and building a high school basketball program. This conversation dives into how he manages that workload, why coaching became such a passion for him at a young age, and how being a college athlete helps him become a better coach. Andrew shares how he first became obsessed with coaching and leadership while he was still in high school, how he started learning from coaches early, and why building genuine relationships with players matters more than X's and O's. We also talk about the Newfield community, the culture he is building within the basketball program, the grind of being a college football player, and how leadership has no age limit. This episode is packed with lessons for athletes, coaches, parents, young leaders, athletic directors, and anyone who cares about culture, player development, and the impact sports can have on people. In this episode, we talk about: Andrew Mendel's role as a college football player and high school basketball coach Playing defensive end at Ithaca College Becoming the head boys basketball coach at Newfield High School How Andrew started learning coaching while still in high school Why relationships matter more than X's and O's Building culture inside a basketball program The grind of college football Balancing school, football, internships, and coaching Why being coached every day helps Andrew become a better coach Why coaching helps him become a better football player and leader The importance of being genuine with players Newfield basketball and the power of community Andrew's three program pillars: work hard, be a great teammate, and enjoy the journey Why "who you are" matters inside a program The life lessons Andrew has learned through sports Andrew's story is a reminder that leadership is not about age. It is about preparation, passion, humility, consistency, and the willingness to show up for people every single day. Whether you are a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, this conversation will give you a lot to think about when it comes to leadership, culture, and what it really means to build something the right way. Follow / Learn More Andrew Mendel – Ithaca College Football Profile: https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/football/roster/andrew-mendel/24235 Newfield Athletics: https://www.newfieldschools.org/page/athletics Newfield Boys Basketball Schedule: https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/153/teams/55981 The Gametime Guru YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegametimeguru GTG Partnerships Fascia Sticks As athletes, lifters, runners, coaches, and everyday movers, we all deal with tight spots that are hard to reach. That's why I'm excited to share Fascia Sticks. The Fascia Stick Pro is a stainless steel precision tool designed to help target smaller areas like the hands, feet, neck, jaw, temples, and around joints where tension can build up. It's portable, easy to keep in a gym bag, and can even be chilled in the freezer for cold therapy on those smaller areas. Whether you're training hard, recovering between workouts, coaching all day, or just trying to move and feel better, this is a simple tool worth checking out. Use my affiliate code/link here: https://fasciasticks.com/GAMETIME15 Disclosure: This is an affiliate link/code, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you. Note: Fascia Sticks products are cosmetic wellness accessories and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Grit Sticks This episode is also supported by Grit Sticks, a 100% American-raised beef stick brand built for athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, service members, and everyday people who refuse to quit. Grit Sticks are made for those moments when you need fuel on the go, whether you are training, coaching, working, traveling, or simply pushing through a long day. Available in flavors like Original, Jalapeño, and Teriyaki, Grit Sticks are all about true American grit and giving you a high-quality snack option when you need something quick and convenient. Use code GTG10 at checkout. Shop here: https://www.crossomeats.com/?ref=GTG10 Follow and subscribe to The Gametime Guru for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and sports figures from around the world.
