1. Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Bettle talks with longtime Seton Hall strength coach and educator Angelo Gingerelli about how to succeed in the demanding world of college athletics. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, Angelo shares practical guidance for both athletes and parents—from choosing the right program and managing expectations to building the work capacity needed to thrive. The conversation offers a grounded look at what really drives success in college sports and how families can prepare for the journey ahead.

2. Guest Bio

Angelo Gingerelli spent 20 years as a strength and conditioning coach at Seton Hall University before moving into academia as a professor at Kean University. He's the author of The Next Four Years, a guide for families navigating the modern college recruiting landscape, and Finish Strong: Resistance Training for Endurance Athletes. Angelo has worked with thousands of athletes across 12 collegiate sports and now helps parents and players understand how to prepare for college athletics in today's changing environment, including NIL, the transfer portal, and the growing professionalization of youth sports.

3. Links

• The Next Four Years and Finish Strong by Angelo Gingerelli

• Instagram: @mr5thround

• LinkedIn: Angelo Gingerelli

• Email: angelo.gingerelli@gmail.com
  
  

Three Actionable Takeaways

• Go into college thinking long term: Choose a school and program that align with where you want to be at 30, 40, and 50 years old, not just what feels exciting at 18. It's about setting up your future, not just your next season.
• Do your research: Look beyond the sales pitch of recruiting trips. Ask the hard questions about academics, training expectations, and long-term opportunities so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
• Increase your work capacity: College is a step up from high school in every way. Prepare your body and mind now so you can handle the demands and stay strong through the season.

Ten Takeaways

• Most families enter college athletics as first-time consumers; understanding the system is essential.
  
  

• Work capacity—physical, mental, and emotional—is the biggest difference between high school and college athletes.
  
  

• Athletes face new academic pressures and must manage larger playbooks, heavier travel, and tighter schedules.
  
  

• The NIL era and transfer portal have completely reshaped the recruiting landscape in just five years.
  
  

• Parents should focus on long-term development and realistic fit rather than chasing elite labels or short-term prestige.
  
  

• Research schools carefully: understand academic restrictions, required summer commitments, and how majors align with athletic schedules.
  
  

• Communicate early with strength and conditioning staff to understand expectations and prepare for conditioning tests.
  
  

• Build time-management skills before college; schedule academics, training, meals, and rest strategically.
  
  

• Create an identity beyond sport—develop relationships, interests, and career skills outside the team environment.

• Treat your college years as preparation for life after athletics, not just a playing career.