Shady Side Academy recently announced the appointment of alumnus Andrew Geisler ’12 as the new Head Varsity Football Coach. A seasoned collegiate coach with a passion for mentoring student-athletes, Geisler brings extensive experience and a deep connection to his alma mater.
“I’m honored to return home to Shady Side Academy and lead our football program,” Geisler said. “This community has shaped who I am, and I’m eager to build on its rich tradition and take it to new heights.”
Geisler most recently served as Defensive Coordinator at Thiel College, where his defense achieved top rankings in the President’s Athletic Conference. He also played a pivotal role in recruiting nearly 90 student-athletes, driving significant program growth. In 2021, he stepped in as Thiel’s Interim Head Football Coach, demonstrating strong leadership during a period of transition.
Before Thiel, Geisler coached at Cornell University, helping players earn All-Ivy honors, and contributed to a championship season at California University of Pennsylvania. As a player, he captained Saint Vincent College’s football team and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. At Shady Side, he was a standout student-athlete, leading the Bulldogs to an 8-3 season during his senior year.
Returning to Shady Side marks a full-circle moment for Geisler, who is committed to fostering an inclusive, inspiring team culture while building on the program’s proud traditions.
The Academy thanks the Search Advisory Group and Interim Head Coach Dave Szlachetka for their leadership during this process.