Book Lessons with Coach Gabe

I’m a former Division I football student-athlete from Vanderbilt University, where I competed in the SEC and was recognized as a 2x Weightlifter of the Year; the first in program history to earn that honor twice. I was also named to the 2008 National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American Team and selected to Vanderbilt’s Leadership Council.

Since my playing career, I’ve spent over a decade working with student-athletes in both athletic development and mentorship roles. I also currently serve as an NCAA Men’s College Basketball referee, which keeps me closely connected to high-level competition and performance standards.

What makes my approach different is that I don’t just focus on the athlete, I focus on the student-athlete. I’ve worked extensively in education and college readiness, so I understand how athletic development, mindset, and long-term goals all connect. My goal is to help athletes build confidence, discipline, and habits that carry over both on and off the field.

I help athletes improve by focusing on three key areas: fundamentals, mindset, and application.

A big part of my coaching is helping athletes develop the ability to self-correct and think through the game. That’s what separates good players from great ones.

For student-athletes, I also bring a unique perspective around preparation, discipline, and long-term development. I help them understand how to approach training, competition, and even their academic responsibilities in a way that sets them up for success beyond sports.

Whether sessions are in-person or virtual, everything I do is structured and intentional.

A typical session includes:

Fundamental skill development

Position-specific drills or concepts based on the athlete’s goals

Film breakdown or mental reps (especially in virtual sessions)

Virtual sessions are a huge part of how I work with athletes. Through their film analysis, breakdowns, and guided instruction, I can help athletes:

Understand game situations

Improve decision-making

Develop IQ and awareness

Some of the biggest growth actually happens in these sessions because athletes learn how to see the game differently, not just react to it.

Every session ends with clear takeaways and a plan for what to work on next.

Former Division I Football Athlete — Vanderbilt University (SEC)

2x Vanderbilt Football Weightlifter of the Year (first in program history)

National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American

Vanderbilt Athletics Leadership Council (selected by Head Coach Bobby Johnson)

Holds Vanderbilt Football record for most bench press reps at 225 lbs with 45 reps

NCAA Men’s College Basketball Referee (Division I & III)

10+ years working with student-athletes in development, mentorship, and college readiness

The best coach I ever had was Coach John Shuman at Fork Union Military Academy. Coach Shuman was someone who challenged me every single day but also made it clear that he cared about me beyond the game.

What stood out most wasn’t just the intensity or the expectations, it was the consistency. He held everyone accountable, but he also took the time to teach, explain, and develop us as individuals. He made sure we understood why we were doing things, not just what to do.

That’s something I carry with me now. I believe the best coaching happens when athletes feel both challenged and supported. When they trust the process and understand the purpose behind their work, that’s when real growth happens.

Athletes and parents should know that I bring a standard of accountability, structure, and care to every session. I was coached at the highest level, and what stayed with me most was being challenged daily while knowing my coach genuinely cared about my growth beyond the game. That is the environment I create. I will push athletes to improve, but I also make sure they understand why they are doing what they are doing. When athletes feel both challenged and supported, confidence follows. My goal is not just short-term performance, but long-term development in discipline, mindset, and consistency on and off the field.