Kalamazoo College Athletics

Nick Brandstadt joined the Kalamazoo College coaching staff as an assistant in 2020.

Personal Statement:
“I’m extraordinarily happy to be officially joining the Men’s program here at Kalamazoo College alongside Coach Shabazz. I’m looking forward to continuing my education under his guidance, as well as helping this program progress in a winning direction and helping Kalamazoo College become a powerhouse in both the MIAA and on a national scale. Being a relatively young coach, I’m very appreciative to Coach Shabazz for the opportunity to work at this level as well as to Kalamazoo College for welcoming me with open arms. I’m excited for what’s to come!” 

Collegiate Career:
Western Michigan University (2017-2018)
Kalamazoo College (2018) 

Semi-Professional Career:
Muskegon Risers (2018)
Grand Haven Admirals (2020 – present)

Coaching Accolades:   

MVxNB Training, LLC. (2020 – present)
- Co-Owner
- Serves as Director of Training Methodologies & Operations   

East Grand Rapids High School Varsity Soccer Coach (2020)
- Won the program’s first Conference and District Title since 2013, as well as the first Regional Title since the program’s only other Regional Title in 1987.

Acceptance to the University of South Wales 
Nick has officially accepted an ‘Unconditional Offer’ from the University of South Wales (USW), pursuing a three-year Bachelor of Science BSc (Hons) Degree in Football Coaching & Performance. The University of South Wales, and in particular this specific program, has the goal of taking some of the world football’s brightest young minds and producing top coaches, talent scouts, analysts, administrators, and footballing directors to influence the direction of the game at the elite/highest level of professional football around the world. During his time in Wales, Nick will have the privilege to work at the USW Sport Park, which is the training center home to both the Wales Men’s National Team as well as Cardiff City’s Youth Academy. This program, as stated above, aims to put young coaches in positions to influence the game at the professional level, most notably one of the program’s recent graduates, João Sacramento, who now currently serves as Tottenham Hotspur F.C.’s First Assistant coach under Head Coach Jose Mourinho. Nick is also the first American born citizen ever to be accepted within this specific program at USW. While overseas, Nick plans to obtain his FAW C Certificate and FAW/UEFA B license, which is an additional service offered through this three-year program at USW, delivered by experts within the field, including Premier League and international level coaches and support staffs. Once his three-year degree is completed, Nick plans to stay an additional two years to obtain his Master’s of Science Degree (MSc) in Advanced Performance Football Coaching at USW all while pursuing his UEFA A license that this program offers in addition to the rigorous coursework to complete the Master’s Degree. After his time at USW, Nick plans to immediately pursue a career as a manager at the professional level. 

Getting to know Coach Nick  

Hobbies/Interests: Watching Soccer, reading, traveling & spending time with loved ones.
Favorite Part about Coaching: Understanding that every single day there’s another opportunity to learn & grow as a coach. You never ever know too much in this game. Oh and of course, winning.
Hero: My parents, Kobe Bryant & myself in 30 years.
Favorite Sports Team (besides Kalamazoo): Chicago White Sox, Bulls, Bears & FC Barcelona.
Favorite Movie(s): Entire Star Wars Series, The Dark Knight Trilogy & Ocean’s 1l
Favorite Food: Any cuisine that is outside the realm of American culture.
Advice: My advice to others…dream ambitiously, invite failure, as it’s a means to learn more about yourself, and never ever give up on yourself. Ever.