Coach Brandon

My Story

Brandon didn't learn this from a textbook. He lived it. In high school, Brandon struggled with intense social anxiety. Something as simple as walking down the hallway felt overwhelming because he didn't know what to do with his hands. Most afternoons he would come home stressed about how behind he felt in life-then escape into 3-4 hours of Minecraft and other video games. He convinced himself he might become an esports pro. But deep down he knew the truth: he wasn't building a future-he was avoiding one. While classmates were progressing in sports, relationships, and school, Brandon felt stuck watching life move forward without him. Everything changed when a friend challenged him to give a motivational speech in front of his entire school. Terrified but determined, Brandon said yes. In that speech he spoke honestly about his struggles with anxiety, gaming addiction, and feeling lost. When it ended, something unexpected happened-students came up to him with tears in their eyes saying his story helped them feel less alone. That moment sparked a transformation. Mentors and teachers began pouring into him. Brandon started devouring books like Atomic Habits and How to Win Friends and Influence People, and studying psychology and mindset through mentors like Dr. K from Healthy Gamer. That's when he discovered a life-changing truth: motivation doesn't come first-action creates motivation. By learning how to take small consistent steps forward, Brandon transformed his life. The shy kid afraid of the hallway eventually spoke in front of thousands of college students, coached other coaches and counselors on connecting with teens, and built a career helping young people unlock their potential. Along the way he's had some wild adventures too-skydiving, swimming with jellyfish in Palau, and even sledding down an active volcano in Nicaragua. But what matters most to Brandon isn't the adventures. It's helping young men realize something he wishes he had known earlier: you are not broken. You're just missing the right tools, systems, and guidance. And once you have those, everything can change.

Interests & Hobbies

Rock climbing addict-if there's a wall nearby, I'm probably trying to climb it. I love coffee, nature, and deep conversations about life. I'm married to an amazing elementary school teacher. I collect rare and unique playing cards, I juggle (and love teaching others how to), and one of my dreams is to open a board game cafe someday.

Fun Facts

• ✨Rock climbing addict-always looking for the next wall to climb
• ✨I've heard of almost every video game ever made (occupational hazard of coaching gamers)
• ✨My favorite fiction author is Brandon Sanderson-epic worlds and great life lessons
• ✨I collect rare and unique playing cards
• ✨I juggle-and love teaching other people how to juggle too
• ✨One of my dreams is to open a board game cafe someday
• ✨I'm married to an amazing elementary school teacher