Episode 68: Keith Mondillo - The Youth Sports Machine Is Out of Control

Scott and Jamie sit down with Keith Mondillo - longtime college coach, athletic director at Gwynedd Mercy University, and recruiting expert for a brutally honest conversation about recruiting, NIL, youth sports pressure, and what families are getting wrong. 

Keith explains why the biggest recruiting mistake parents make is waiting for coaches to “find” their kid, why most early offers are hype, and why families need to understand where their player actually fits instead of chasing unrealistic levels. 

The conversation also dives into NIL money, the transfer portal, roster cuts, private equity entering youth sports, and why high school athletes are now often “last on the list” behind transfers and older players. 

In this episode:

•  The biggest recruiting mistake families make 
•  Why “they’ll find you” usually isn’t true 
•  How NIL and the portal changed recruiting 
•  Why older transfer players are taking roster spots 
•  The business side of youth sports nobody talks about 

This one isn’t just about basketball or hockey...it’s about where all youth sports are heading.

Keith Mondillo Coaching: https://www.keithmondillo.com/

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/