Northwood University Soccer Coach Starts Business

Cedar Hill News - Colleges and Universities

Northwood University soccer coach starts business drawing on marine biology background
 
CEDAR HILL – Ryan Lindell has worked for SeaWorld and the famed Georgia Aquarium -- but today he is Northwood University’s head men’s soccer coach and a burgeoning entrepreneur.

“I played soccer all my life. As soon as I graduated from college and I was working at SeaWorld, I worked 6 to 2:30 every day. Then I went to coach youth soccer from 3 p.m. until you couldn’t see anymore,” Coach Lindell said. “I liked coaching youth soccer because I wanted to stay involved.”
 
After he graduated college, Coach Lindell met Northwood’s former head women’s soccer coach, who eventually would encourage Coach Lindell to apply for the coaching job at Northwood.
 
Today, Coach Lindell and his family, including his wife and three girls, live in Mansfield. He is passionate about seeing his players excel on and off the field.
 
“I love my team. We’d like to be able to compete against any team,” Coach Lindell said. “My goals for us are to have fun and compete well. In order to have fun, we have to compete well. We’d like to see nationals someday in the future.”
 
Coach Lindell also takes great interest in the developments of the oil spill in the gulf, considering his extensive background with marine animals. Most marine life is fairly smart and has gotten out of the way, he said -- but there are creatures such as oysters and shrimp that can’t move. The part he finds most upsetting, he said, is the people whose livelihoods have been so negatively impacted.
 
“It’s heartwrenching to see what’s going on -- and not only for the animals. I know what they go through. I’ve helped clean animals. I feel for the people whose livelihoods are there; tourism, fishing, they’re taking a huge hit,” Coach Lindell said. “My heart goes out to those people. Is this ever going to happen again? Probably not. If it does, I think there will be a faster fix next time, because of the experience they have gained from this.”
 
Pat Malcheski, Northwood’s athletic director, said he’s honored to work with Coach Lindell. Malcheski is always intrigued by the marine biology factoids he picks up, and underscores Lindell’s personal and professional integrity.
 
“Some of us are blessed enough to share our lives with men like Coach Lindell,” Coach Malcheski said. “Not everyone gets that opportunity.”
 
Dr. Kevin Fegan, provost of Northwood’s Texas Campus, said Coach Lindell is a perfect meshing of Northwood’s dedication to excellence and entrepreneurial spirit. He models sportsmanship, shows respect and shoulders responsibility, Dr. Fegan said.
 
“Coach Lindell is a terrific example of someone who coaches well and actively carries out his belief in the free-market, entrepreneurial system,” Dr. Fegan said. “He is an extraordinary, well-rounded person. Northwood is fortunate to have him.”
 
Pat Malcheski, Northwood’s athletic director, said he’s honored to work with Coach Lindell. Malcheski is always intrigued by the marine biology factoids he picks up, and underscores Lindell’s personal and professional integrity.
 
“Some of us are blessed enough to share our lives with men like Coach Lindell,” Coach Malcheski said. “Not everyone gets that opportunity.”
 
Dr. Kevin Fegan, provost of Northwood’s Texas Campus, said Coach Lindell is a perfect meshing of Northwood’s dedication to excellence and entrepreneurial spirit. He models sportsmanship, shows respect and shoulders responsibility, Dr. Fegan said.
 
“Coach Lindell is a terrific example of someone who coaches well and actively carries out his belief in the free-market, entrepreneurial system,” Dr. Fegan said. “He is an extraordinary, well-rounded person. Northwood is fortunate to have him.”