A Passion For The Game
A Mentor For The Player
My approach to coaching is built on the belief that simplicity and genuine connection make the greatest impact. As the saying goes, “Kids don’t care what you know until they know you care.” Sports, especially during childhood, are far more than just games—they’re life-shaping experiences. They help build character, instill confidence, and provide a sense of achievement. Beyond the scoreboard, sports teach essential skills like teamwork, collaboration, and resilience, preparing kids to face challenges both on and off the court. Winning championships is not just about celebrating victory but about teaching young athletes the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The journey to a championship is filled with lessons that extend far beyond the game itself, shaping young players into leaders and teammates who can overcome obstacles in all areas of life. As a coach, my purpose is to guide and inspire young athletes while showing them that I deeply care about their growth. By fostering trust and building meaningful relationships, I help them unlock their potential, overcome barriers, and transform into confident, capable team players ready to navigate life’s journey.
Coaching and Playing Career Achievements
Head Coaching Accomplishments
9x League Champion
17x Tournament Champion
6x 20+ wins in a season
4x Perfect Seasons
4x Coach of the Year
2019 CIF-LA City Section Academic Excellence Award
(read Tri-Valley League Honors Top Players and Coaches!)
236 Wins
Assistant Varsity Coaching Accomplishments
2024 CIF Division 3 Southern California Regional Champion
2024 CIF Division 3 State finalist
7x West Valley League Champion
6x Seasons with 20 wins or more
2x CIF-LA City Section Open Division finalist
2x CIF Southern California Regional Final Four
2020 CIF-LA City Section Academic Excellence Award
2013 SoCal Holiday Classic (TOC) Division Tournament Champion
177 Wins
Combined Coaching Accomplishments
2024 CIF Division 3 Southern California Regional Champion
16x League Champion
18x Tournament Champion
6x 20+ wins in a season as a Head Coach
6x 20+ wins in a season as an Assistant Varsity Coach
4x Perfect Seasons
4x Coach of the Year
2x CIF-LA City Section Academic Excellence Award
(see Coach of the Year article by clicking here)
413 Wins
Playing Career at El Camino Real (2001-2005)
Team Captain
2005 Varsity Coach's Award
2x Varsity Tournament Champion
Named a Top Senior in Southern California by Slam Jam Basketball
Named a Top Junior in Southern California by Slam Jam Basketball
Junior Varsity Most Valuable Player
Coaching Career History
Coach Nick Kindel has built a legendary coaching career in high school girls' basketball, spanning over a decade across the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County. His leadership has led or contributed to a 2024 CIF Division 3 Southern California Regional Championship, 16 league titles, 18 tournament championships, and multiple Coach of the Year honors.
As the Head Varsity Coach at Northridge Academy, Nick Kindel led the Pumas to an undefeated CIF-LA City Section Valley League Championship in 2022. The team made history by earning a No. 19 ranking in the CIF-LA City Section—the highest in school history at the time. He also guided the team to the CIF-LA City Section Division 2 Quarterfinals, marking their deepest playoff run at the Division 2 level or higher. Under his leadership, the Pumas set multiple school records, including a 10-game win streak and an .875 winning percentage—the highest in school history. Their undefeated league title was only the second undefeated league championship in program history and the fourth league title overall. For his outstanding leadership, Kindel was named the 2022 CIF-LA City Section Valley League Coach of the Year. Before his tenure at Northridge Academy, Kindel led Santa Clara High School (Oxnard) to an undefeated CIF-Southern Section Tri-Valley League Championship in 2021. This achievement secured the program’s fourth Tri-Valley League title, its second undefeated Tri-Valley League title, and the16th league championship in school history. His ability to develop and inspire players propelled the Saints to an impressive .800 regular-season winning percentage. In recognition of his coaching excellence, he was honored as both the Tri-County Athletic Association Coach of the Year and the CIF-Southern Section Tri-Valley League Coach of the Year.
At Granada Hills Charter, Kindel held multiple coaching positions over seven seasons, helping build one of the most dominant programs in the West Valley League. As a Varsity Assistant/Associate Head Coach, he contributed to 159 wins (159-63 overall record), six West Valley League Championships, and the 2024 CIF Division 3 Southern California Regional Championship—the school’s first-ever regional title. He also helped lead the program to six 20+ win seasons, a TOC Division Tournament Championship in 2013, two CIF-LA City Section Open Division Finals appearances, and a Division 1 Southern California Regional Final Four appearance in 2018. Additionally, he played a key role in the record-breaking 2017-2018 Varsity season, when the team won 28 games—the most in program history. As the Head Junior Varsity Coach at Granada Hills Charter, Kindel became the winningest JV coach in program history, achieving an overall record of 137-8 (.944 winning percentage). His teams captured six West Valley League Championships, 12 Tournament Championships, and completed two perfect seasons (2014-2015: 24-0, 2017-2018: 25-0). Under his leadership, the JV program set multiple records, including the most wins in program history (137 total), a record-breaking 26 wins in a single season, and an incredible 48-game win streak spanning three seasons. Additionally, he guided the Freshman/Sophomore (F/S) team to an undefeated 9-0 season, culminating in a John Burroughs F/S Tournament Championship. His combined record as Head JV and Head F/S Coach stands at 146-8 (.948 winning percentage), the highest winning percentage in lower-level program history.
Kindel also played a significant role at El Camino Real Charter, where he worked closely with Head Coach Cara Blumfield. As a Varsity Assistant Coach, he helped lead the team to a 2012 West Valley League Championship. As the Head Junior Varsity Coach, he captured a Tournament Championship in 2012 while revitalizing the lower-level program, transforming it from a below-.500 team into a winning program.
Kindel’s coaching career began at Westlake High School, where he led the F/S Girls Basketball team to a perfect 21-0 season in 2010. Under his leadership, the team won the 2010 F/S Marmonte League Championship along with three tournament titles: the 2010 Marymount Winter F/S Tournament, the 2009 Camarillo F/S Winter Classic, and the 2009 Westlake Winter F/S Invitational. His success earned him the 2010 F/S Marmonte League Coach of the Year award.
Coach Nick Kindel has an outstanding record in high school girls' basketball, with over a decade of success. He has led or helped lead teams to a 2024 CIF Division 3 Southern California Regional Championship, 16 league titles, and 18 tournament championships, while earning multiple Coach of the Year awards. As a Head Coach, Kindel has secured nine league championships—two at the Varsity level, six at the Junior Varsity level, and one at the Frosh/Soph level. As a Varsity Assistant Coach, he contributed to a CIF Southern California Regional Championship, seven league titles, and helped teams earn 177 wins over eight seasons. His success includes five 20+ win seasons as a Junior Varsity Head Coach and one 20+ win season as a Frosh/Soph Head Coach, along with four perfect seasons—two at the Junior Varsity level and two at the Frosh/Soph level. He has also been honored as Coach of the Year multiple times as a Varsity Head Coach and once as a Frosh/Soph Head Coach. At Granada Hills Charter, he played a key role as a Varsity Assistant/Associate Head Coach, contributing to 159 wins, six league titles, a TOC Division Tournament Championship, and the school's first-ever CIF Southern California Regional Championship in 2024. In his lone season as a Varsity Assistant Coach at El Camino Real, he helped secure 18 wins and a league title. With a total of 413 career wins, 16 league championships, 18 tournament championships, and four Coach of the Year awards.Through his exceptional leadership, strategic expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Coach Nick Kindel has built a legacy of success at every level of high school girls' basketball. His ability to develop winning programs, mentor athletes, and achieve historic milestones has solidified his reputation as one of the most accomplished coaches in the sport.
Playing Career History
From 2001-2005, Nick Kindel had a successful playing career at El Camino Real. He played under the guidance of John Gould and Alex Lopez, who is the older brother of Brook and Robin Lopez. Kindel played a crucial role in securing two tournament championships for the Conquistadores in 2002. During the Varsity Slam Jam Tournament, Kindel averaged 12 points per game in the championship rounds, helping ECR defeat LACES for the Silver Tournament Championship. As a sophomore, he averaged 8 points per game in the championship rounds of the Varsity Slam N Jam Tournament, where ECR emerged victorious against Hillcrest Christian for the Bronze Tournament Championship. Kindel's career highlight came when he scored a career-high of 21 points against S.O.C.E.S. He was recognized as a top shooter in the San Fernando Valley by Slam Jam Basketball during his junior and senior years. Kindel also had the opportunity to compete against talented players from all over Southern California at Slam Jam Showcase Events. As his Varsity career came to an end, Kindel was honored as the team captain on senior night and received the Varsity Coach's Award his senior year for his exceptional leadership, hard work, and impressive shooting skills. Additionally, Kindel was named the Junior Varsity Most Valuable Player and had a standout performance with 32 points against Chatsworth High School. He also served as the captain of the freshman team.
My Girl's Basketball Teams featured in the Media!
Northridge Academy Varsity Girls Basketball makes school history in first year of restart under Coach Nick Kindel
Santa Clara Saints (Oxnard) Varsity Girls Basketball sweeps Tri-Valley League in Nick Kindel's First Year as Head Coach
Santa Clara Saints Varsity Girls Basketball rise to the top in Ventura County
Granada Hills Charter Junior Varsity Girls Basketball wins most games program history for the Junior Varsity at 26
Coach Nick Kindel Wins 100th Game at Granada Hills Charter
Granada Hills Charter Junior Varsity Girls Basketball finishes PERFECT SEASON 25-0
Westlake Warriors F/S Girls Basketball finishes PERFECT SEASON 21-0
Granada Hills Charter Girls Basketball wins CIF Division 3 SoCal Regional Championship
Head Coach and Assistant Coach Approach
As the Varsity Head Coach, I assumed leadership over the entire program, with a profound commitment to fostering excellence and growth in both players and staff. In addition to mentoring players and refining their skills, I undertook the comprehensive task of designing and implementing the team's overarching strategy, encompassing game tactics, training regimes, and long-term development plans. My role extended beyond the court to cultivate a culture of discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship among the athletes, ensuring they were equipped not only for success on the scoreboard but also for life beyond the game.
In successful athletic programs, the presence of exceptional assistant coaches is paramount. Assistant coaches play a pivotal role in shaping a team's success by focusing on various key areas, including player development, strategic scouting, game planning alongside the head coach, and active participation in in-game coaching dynamics. When I was an Assistant Varsity Coach, my primary responsibilities encompassed player and skill enhancement, meticulous scouting of opposing teams to identify exploitable weaknesses, strategic player match-ups and in game adjustments during crucial game moments.
Santa Clara Saints Varsity Girls Basketball 2021 Game Film
Here are a few game films from my Santa Clara Varsity team. In the 2021 season, this team dominated, winning 80% of their regular-season games and securing the Tri-Valley League Championship with an undefeated league record. Our game against St. Bonaventure, our biggest rival, was a hard-fought battle where the girls showed their determination to win. The matchup against Channel Islands was one of our first games of the season, and it proved to me that this team had the fight and resilience to achieve something special. Our final league game against Foothill Tech was a statement victory. Earlier in the season, they had pushed us to a double-overtime thrilling win, but this time, we locked in defensively, holding them to just 22 points to officially clinch the Tri-Valley League title with a perfect league record. This season was a testament to the team’s hard work, heart, and championship mentality.
To watch the game films, click the “X” on the “See More” section on Facebook.
Santa Clara Saints vs St. Bonaventure
Santa Clara Saints vs Channel Islands
Philosophy of Athletic Mentorship
There's no greater accomplishment than making a difference in the life of a child. I'm fortunate to be in a position where I can utilize a great sport to instill comaraderie, sportsmanship, team building and a concern for others in the young people that I coach. They make me a better person, and I thank each and every one of them for being a part of my life. Here are three factors that are part of my philosophy and approach to an effective athlete.
Success
Coach John Wooden famously said, “success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” Whether you are on the court or off, I stress that you must be connected to your own self in order to be a successful athlete.
Sportsmanship
As hard as we compete, at the end of the game we must accept the outcome. Good sportsmanship is a result of respect: Respect for your opponent, respect for your team mates, and respect for the game. Once you reach the awareness that basketball is not about one player, but about all involved, you can exemplify sportsmanship.
Team Building
I don't believe in stars and I don't believe in bench sitters. How are we to discover our potential if we are not given a chance to demonstrate it - to ourselves and to our team. The team is about the sum of its individual parts and every victory or every loss is a result of how we work together.
"If you have knowledge, pass it on to those who do not."
“Working with Nick at Granada Hills Charter High School was a very positive experience. He served as my Junior Varsity and Assistant Varsity coach for six years. He was dedicated to the program and was instrumental in the skill development of our lower level players. Nick adds value in whatever role he takes on.”
Jared Honig
Granada Hills Charter Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach
All Videos
All Videos
El Camino Real VS Granada Hills (JV) : PART 1
GHC JV Girls Basketball Win Burbank Winter Classic
El Camino Real VS Granada Hills (JV)
Championship History and Coach of the Year Honors
HEAD COACH LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Varsity Head Coach League Championships
2022 CIF-LA City Section Valley League Champions
2021 CIF-Southern Section Tri-Valley League Champions
Junior Varsity Head Coach League Championships
2023 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2020 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2018 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2017 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2015 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2014 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
Frosh/Soph Head Coach League Championships
2010 CIF-Southern Section Marmonte League Champions
COACH OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Varsity Coach of the Year Awards
2022 CIF-Los Angeles City Section Valley League Coach of the Year
2021 CIF-Southern Section Tri-Valley League Coach of the Year
2021 Tri-County Athletic Association Coach of the Year
Frosh/Soph Coach of the Year Awards
2010 F/S Marmonte League Coach of the Year
VARSITY ASSISTANT COACH CHAMPIONSHIPS
CIF Southern California Regional Championships
2024 CIF Division 3 Southern California Regional Champions
Varsity Assistant Coach League Championships
2023 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2020 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2018 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2017 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2015 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2014 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
2012 CIF-LA City Section West Valley League Champions
Varsity Assistant Coach Tournament Championships
2013 SoCal Holiday Classic (TOC) Division Champions
HEAD COACH TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Junior Varsity Head Coach Tournament Championships
2019 7th Annual Moorpark Christmas Classic Champions
2019 Burroughs Gold Division Champions
2017 5th Annual Moorpark Christmas Classic Champions
2017 Panorama City Invitational Tournament Champions
2017 Burbank Bulldog Tip-Off Classic Champions
2016 La Canada New Year's Ball Champions
2016 Burbank Bulldog Tip-Off Classic Champions
2016 Burroughs Gold Division Champions
2014 3rd Annual Moorpark Christmas Classic Champions
2014 Panorama City Invitational Tournament Champions
2014 Burbank Bulldog Tip-Off Classic Tournment Champions
2013 Brentwood 1st Annual Tournament Champions
2011 Burroughs Silver Division Tournament Champions
Frosh/Soph Head Coach Tournament Championships
2022 Burroughs F/S Tournament Champions
2010 Marymount Winter F/S Tournament Champions
2009 Camarillo F/S Winter Classic Champions
2009 Westlake Winter F/S Invitational Champions