By: Chris Harlan


Friday, January 31, 2025 | 2:08 PM

Shady Side Academy graduate Andrew Geisler, who served last fall as Thiel’s defensive coordinator, is returning to his high school alma mater as football coach.

The school announced his hire Friday.

A former football team captain, Geisler graduated in 2012 and later played on the defensive line at Saint Vincent. His coaching resume includes college stints at Cornell, Cal (Pa.) and Thiel, where he worked since 2019.

“I’m honored to return home to Shady Side Academy and lead our football program,” Geisler said in a statement. “This community has shaped who I am, and I’m eager to build on its rich tradition and take it to new heights.”

Shady Side Academy ended this past season under interim coach Dave Szlachetka. He took midseason after eighth-year coach Chuck DiNardo resigned.

The team went 2-8 overall with a 1-5 record in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference.

“Coach Geisler is the right leader to guide our football program into its next chapter,” Shady Side Academy athletic director Sean Simmons said. “His coaching pedigree, leadership skills and deep connection to Shady Side make him the ideal fit. His return marks an exciting new chapter, and we can’t wait to see the impact he will have in shaping the future of football at SSA.”

As a four-year starter in high school, Geisler helped Shady Side Academy to a 33-13 record and four playoff appearances. The team reached the WPIAL 2A quarterfinals in 2011 and the semifinals in 2008. He earned all-conference honors for his play at both center and defensive line.

In college, Geisler was named Saint Vincent’s defensive player of the year in 2014, and he served as a team captain in 2015. He graduated with a degree in biology.

Geisler joined Thiel’s staff six years ago as a defensive backs coach and added co-defensive coordinator duties in 2021. He also served three months in 2021 as Thiel’s interim head coach.

“Geisler’s return to Shady Side Academy represents a full-circle moment, as he brings a vision for the future of SSA football that honors its history while fostering growth and excellence,” the school said in a statement.

Chris Harlan is a TribLive reporter covering sports. He joined the Trib in 2009 after seven years as a reporter at the Beaver County Times. He can be reached at charlan@triblive.com.

Tags: Shady Side Academy