A Passion For The Game
A Mentor For The Player
My coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that simplicity and genuine connection have 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 games—they are life-shaping experiences. They build character, instill confidence, and foster a sense of achievement. Beyond the scoreboard, athletics teach teamwork, collaboration, and resilience, preparing young athletes to face challenges both on and off the court. Winning championships is about more than celebrating victory; it’s about instilling the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The journey to a championship is full of lessons that extend far beyond the game, shaping players into leaders and teammates capable of overcoming obstacles in every area of life. As a coach, my purpose is to guide and inspire young athletes while showing that I truly care about their growth. By fostering trust and cultivating meaningful relationships, I help them unlock their potential, overcome barriers, and develop 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 built a legendary coaching career in high school girls’ basketball, compiling over 400 combined wins across six schools at every level of high school competition over more than a decade in 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, after taking over a program which was dormant the year before, Nick Kindel led the Pumas to an undefeated CIF‑LA City Section Valley League Championship in 2022. He guided the team to a 13–1 regular-season record (.928 winning percentage—the best in school history), and the team finished 14–2 overall with an .875 winning percentage—also the highest in program history. The Pumas made history with their first-ever Top 20 CIF‑LA City Section ranking (No. 19) and advanced to the CIF‑LA City Section Division 2 Quarterfinals, marking the deepest playoff run at that level or higher. Under his leadership, the program set records including a 10‑game win streak and an undefeated league title—the second undefeated league championship in school history and the fourth league title overall.
Players from the 2022 Pumas team consistently credited Kindel with revitalizing the program. Aliya Latif said, “Coach Kindel led with purpose and consistency… He made expectations clear, but he also listened and cared about us as people. That respect went both ways. He earned it by showing up every day and doing exactly what he said he would do.” Estrella Alejo noted that Kindel was “compassionate and determined… He truly wanted to see our team succeed,” earning trust by investing in the players even before the season tipped off. Priscilla Perez said, “Coach Kindel was definitely tough and expected a lot from us… He pushed us to give 110% every practice, every game,” and 2022 Valley League Player of the Year Raissa Mahawan reflected, “We built this together, and our bond made the season meaningful.” Senior Captain Rio Mahawan added, “To go from barely having enough players to winning the league was surreal… That win symbolized believing in something bigger than ourselves.” For his outstanding leadership, Kindel was named 2022 CIF‑LA City Section Valley League Coach of the Year.
Before Northridge Academy, Kindel led Santa Clara High School (Oxnard) to an undefeated CIF‑Southern Section Tri‑Valley League Championship in 2021, securing the program’s fourth Tri‑Valley League title, second undefeated Tri‑Valley League title, and 16th league championship in school history. The Saints posted an .800 regular-season winning percentage. Santa Clara players spoke about Kindel’s impact personally as well as collectively. Varsity Co-Captain Maddy White said of Kindel’s belief in her leadership and performance, “He was one of the few coaches I had that believed in me, showed me what it was to be a great,” and noted how Kindel “put aside everything and sacrificed a lot to be there for us for that whole season.” Sofia Maldonado,who was named 2021 Tri‑Valley League Most Valuable Player, credited him with improving her defensive confidence, noting that he was a “big part of why my defense got better… our strong defense led to easier offense.” For his work during the 2021 season, Kindel was named both Tri-County Athletic Association Coach of the Year and CIF–Southern Section Tri-Valley League Coach of the Year.
At Granada Hills Charter, Kindel held multiple coaching positions over seven seasons—Varsity Associate Head Coach, Varsity Assistant Coach, Head Junior Varsity Coach, and Head Frosh/Soph Coach—playing a central role in building one of the most dominant girls basketball programs in the San Fernando Valley, the West Valley League, the CIF-LA City Section, and the state. Across all levels at Granada Hills Charter, his teams combined for 12 league championships and 14 tournament titles, while he amassed a combined record of 305–71, an extraordinary .811 winning percentage, reflecting sustained excellence, player development, and program-wide impact rarely seen at a single school.
As an Associate Head Coach and Varsity Assistant, Kindel contributed to 159 varsity wins (159–63 overall record, 71.6% winning percentage), six West Valley League Championships, and the 2024 CIF Division 3 Southern California Regional Championship—the first Southern California regional title in school history and the first-ever SoCal Regional Championship won by a public school girls basketball program in the San Fernando Valley. He also helped lead the program to six 20+ win seasons, two CIF-LA City Section Open Division Finals appearances, and a Division 1 Southern California Regional Final Four appearance in 2018 and a Southern California Holiday Prep Classic (TOC Division Champion) in 2013. 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. Former varsity players consistently pointed to Kindel’s influence beyond wins and losses, describing him as a coach who demanded accountability while genuinely believing in his players. Multiple players emphasized that he was “a coach you wanted to win for,” noting that his preparation, honesty, and unwavering commitment to the team created deep trust and buy-in. Others recalled that he never stopped pushing them to be better, especially in moments when they did not yet see their own potential. His attention to detail, and ability to prepare teams for high-pressure situations gave players confidence in the biggest moments.
As the Head Junior Varsity Coach, Kindel became the winningest Head Junior Varsity Coach in program history, compiling an astonishing 137–8 record (.9448 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. Many former Junior Varsity players later noted that the confidence, discipline, and competitive edge developed under Kindel directly translated to varsity success. Players consistently described the JV program as the foundation upon which the varsity’s sustained success was built., crediting the daily standards, accountability, and expectations that mirrored the varsity level. Several former players recalled that by the time they reached varsity, the pace, pressure, and preparation already felt familiar, with one noting that the junior varsity under Kindel made varsity basketball feel like the next step rather than a shock. Others emphasized that the culture of winning, attention to detail, and mental toughness established at the junior varsity level carried upward and became a defining trait of the varsity program’s sustained success.
In addition, Kindel guided the Frosh/Soph team to an undefeated 9–0 season, culminating in a John Burroughs Frosh/Soph Tournament Championship. His combined record as Head Junior Varsity and Head Frosh/Soph Coach stands at 146–8 (.948 winning percentage), the highest winning percentage in lower-level program history. Former players consistently noted that Kindel held them to varsity-level standards from the very beginning, regardless of age or experience. He established clear expectations, structure, and accountability while instilling belief and confidence early in their development. Several players recalled feeling trusted and prepared well before reaching varsity, crediting his approach with helping them develop confidence, leadership habits, and a winning mindset that stayed with them throughout their time at Granada Hills Charter and beyond.
Taken together, Kindel’s 305 total wins across all levels, his unparalleled success at the junior varsity and underclass levels, and his contributions to historic varsity achievements underscore a legacy defined not only by championships, but by program building, player development, and a culture of sustained excellence that continues to shape Granada Hills Charter girls basketball today.
Kindel also made a significant impact at El Camino Real Charter, working closely with Head Coach Cara Blumfield. As a Varsity Assistant Coach, he helped guide the team to a 2012 West Valley League Championship. In his role as Head Junior Varsity Coach, he led the team to a Tournament Championship in 2012 while revitalizing the lower-level program, transforming it from a below-.500 team into a consistently winning and competitive squad.
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.
Through over a decade of coaching, Nick Kindel built a legendary legacy in high school girls’ basketball across the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County. With a total of 413 career wins, 16 league championships, 18 tournament championships, four perfect seasons across Frosh/Soph and Junior Varsity, and two undefeated league championships at the Varsity level—including a historic 2024 CIF Division 3 Southern California Regional Championship with Granada Hills Charter—Kindel demonstrated sustained excellence at every stage of player development. Across all levels and roles—including Head Varsity Coach, Associate Head Coach/Assistant Varsity Coach, Head Junior Varsity Coach, and Head Frosh/Soph Coach—he amassed 305 wins at Granada Hills Charter alone, leading historic varsity and JV programs while instilling confidence, discipline, and a culture of accountability that carried players from the underclass levels to varsity success. His single seasons at Northridge Academy and Santa Clara included undefeated league championships in consecutive years at two different schools, Top 20 rankings, Varsity Coach of the Year honors, and individual player growth, highlighted by two players who earned league MVP honors—one at Northridge Academy and one at Santa Clara. Even earlier in his career at El Camino Real and Westlake High School, Kindel transformed lower-level programs into competitive, winning teams, securing championships and Coach of the Year recognition. Across every program, Kindel’s combination of strategic expertise, leadership, and commitment to player development left a lasting imprint—creating winning programs, mentoring athletes, and establishing a culture of sustained excellence that continues to define high school girls’ basketball wherever he coached.
Playing Career History
From 2001–2005, Nick Kindel had a successful playing career at El Camino Real High School, competing under the guidance of John Gould and Alex Lopez. Known for his work ethic, basketball IQ, leadership, and perimeter shooting, Kindel earned the trust and respect of his coaches throughout his career. Coach Lopez described Kindel as “a hard worker and good listener… an excellent teammate and leader,” adding that he was “a special player and person, a young man of conscience and character,” while also noting that Kindel was an excellent three-point shooter. Coach Gould echoed those sentiments, calling Kindel “a solid shooter,” and remarking that he “reminded you of a coach’s son,” a reflection of his disciplined, team-first approach and strong understanding of the game.
Kindel played a crucial role in securing two tournament championships for the Conquistadores in 2002. During the Varsity Slam Jam Tournament, he averaged 12 points per game in the championship rounds, helping El Camino Real 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 defeated Hillcrest Christian to capture the Bronze Tournament Championship.
One of the highlights of Kindel’s career came when he scored a career-high 21 points against S.O.C.E.S. He was recognized as one of the top shooters in the San Fernando Valley by Slam Jam Basketball during his junior and senior seasons and competed against elite talent from across Southern California at Slam Jam Showcase events.
As his varsity career came to a close, Kindel was honored as team captain on senior night and received the Varsity Coach’s Award during his senior year in recognition of his leadership, hard work, and consistent three-point shooting. Earlier in his career, he was named Junior Varsity Most Valuable Player, highlighted by a 32-point performance against Chatsworth High School, and also served as captain of the freshman team.
My Girl's Basketball Teams featured in the Media!
Head Varsity Coaching – Northridge Academy and Santa Clara Media Features
Northridge Academy – Varsity Girls Basketball
Puma Pride: How Coach Nick Kindel and the 2022 Northridge Academy Pumas Revived a Dormant Girls Basketball Program and Laid the Foundation for one of the Shining Programs in the City Section
Northridge Academy makes school history in first year of restart under Coach Nick Kindel
Santa Clara Saints – Varsity Girls Basketball
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
Assistant Varsity & Head Junior Varsity Coaching – Granada Hills Charter Media Features
Associate Head Coach/Assistant Varsity Coach
Granada Hills Charter Girls Basketball wins CIF Division 3 SoCal Regional Championship
Head Junior Varsity Coach
A Decade After 24–0: How Coach Nick Kindel’s Legendary JV Teams Sparked a Varsity Dynasty and Granada Hills Charter Girls Basketball History
Granada Hills Charter Junior Varsity Girls Basketball wins most games program history for the Junior Varsity at 26
Granada Hills Charter Junior Varsity Girls Basketball finishes PERFECT SEASON 25-0
Coach Nick Kindel Wins 100th Game at Granada Hills Charter
Head F/S Coaching- Westlake Warrior Feature
Westlake Warriors F/S Girls Basketball finishes PERFECT SEASON 21-0
San Fernando Valley Coaching Legend Nick Kindel Calls it a Career after helping Granada Hills Charter win CIF 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
In the first video below, you’ll see my 2021 Santa Clara Varsity Girls Basketball team — a group that defined resilience, chemistry, and championship drive. That season, we dominated the competition, winning 80% of our regular-season games and capturing the Tri-Valley League Championship with an undefeated league record. One of the most memorable moments came in our rivalry matchup against St. Bonaventure, where the girls battled with heart and intensity from start to finish. Every possession showed their determination, teamwork, and will to win. The 2021 season was more than just a winning year — it was a statement of what it means to compete with pride, purpose, and the spirit of a true champion.
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
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El Camino Real VS Granada Hills (JV) : PART 1
GHC JV Girls Basketball Win Burbank Winter Classic
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