Angelo Gingerelli’s journey from strength and conditioning coach at Seton Hall University to mentor for local youth athletes began with a simple desire to support his daughter’s softball dreams.
“My daughter wanted to play softball after loving to watch Seton Hall games,” Gingerelli says. “That led me to coach her team and eventually get more involved in Long Branch Little League.”
In addition to coaching, Gingerelli recently launched an off-season strength and conditioning camp for young baseball and softball players, focusing on those not engaged in winter sports. “The turnout was great, and the results were even better,” he says.
His summer work with Beach Road Fit allows him to train local high school teams. “It’s rewarding to see players early in their athletic careers grow not just as athletes, but as young men and women,” Gingerelli says.
Living in Long Branch, Gingerelli appreciates the town’s diversity and the range of sports opportunities it offers. “Families here have varied interests—some stick to soccer, others to baseball, dance, or track. But Long Branch has so many options, and kids who explore them all really benefit.”
He also highlighted the community spirit tied to the Jersey Shore lifestyle. “It’s common to see teams train together in the morning and then work at the beach or lifeguard in the afternoon. Those summer days build camaraderie and lifelong memories.”
Gingerelli is also the author of The Next Four Years: Compete, Win & Thrive in College Sports, a guide designed to help high school athletes prepare for the demands of college athletics. “Every fall, I see freshmen who arrive unprepared for the intensity and workload,” he says. “My goal was to provide them with the tools to succeed from day one.”
He advises student-athletes to research their future schools carefully. “Signing a scholarship is a huge accomplishment, but it’s just the starting line. Some decisions, like choosing a school with a strong academic program related to your career goals, will impact your life long after sports.”
Balancing academics, athletics, and personal life requires foresight, Gingerelli says. “With more freedom thanks to the transfer portal and NIL opportunities, athletes have to think long-term. The right choice isn’t always the one that offers the most playing time or money upfront.”
When it comes to training, Gingerelli stresses the importance of mastering fundamentals before jumping into advanced routines. “Young athletes often progress too fast. Basic movements like squats, lunges, and push-ups build the foundation for long-term success and injury prevention.”
Beyond athletic skills, Gingerelli fosters community pride through his coaching. “Wearing our green Long Branch hat, it’s about maximizing potential and taking pride in our team and city. Unlike higher levels of sports, local youth leagues are about playing with your community—your neighbors, classmates, and friends.”
Balancing coaching, writing, and family life requires careful scheduling. “I periodize my life like I do my athletes’ training—busy during the school year, more flexible in summer to focus on camps and writing.”
Gingerelli encourages young athletes to maintain a positive mindset. “Challenges will come. Knowing you have the potential and putting in hard work is key. Coaches often put their best foot forward during recruiting, but reality includes balancing school and sports at a high level.”
Finally, he emphasizes the importance of physical fitness beyond sports. “Despite a booming fitness industry, obesity rates are high. Making exercise and good nutrition a daily habit is a game changer for long-term health. Many adults in Long Branch enjoy activities like pickleball, jogging, or yoga—finding lifelong ways to stay active.”
For Gingerelli, youth sports are about much more than competition—they build character, community, and habits that last a lifetime.
Book Spotlight: The Next Four Years: Compete, Win & Thrive in College Sports
A must-read for student-athletes preparing for college sports. Covers recruiting, school selection, training, conditioning, and sports nutrition.
Available on Amazon at: amazon.com/Next-Four-Years-Compete-College/dp/B0DHQTQWBB