As a defensive lineman, Sam Maddi has tackled quarterbacks and running backs. But come this fall, he’ll be tackling a new role on the field: football coach. The Binghamton High School graduate will join the staff at his alma mater for the 2024 season.
“I plan to push them past their limits, make sure they don’t make excuses. Football will help give them the structure they need for their jobs, or when they have a family,” Maddi says of his approach to coaching.
After graduating in 2017, Maddi spent his first collegiate year at SUNY Broome. In the Fall of 2018, he transferred to St. John Fisher where he was able to return to his passion and suit up for the Cardinals football team. After two years as a starter, he finished up his football and academic career at SUNY Cortland.
Maddi started as a Red Dragon as well, but without a doubt the top moment was finishing his career with a Division III National Championship. SUNY Cortland went 14-1 in 2023, finishing the season off with a 38-37 win over Naperville, Illinois’ North Central College in the D-III title game in December. North Central had appeared in the three previous championship games, winning two of them.
“I never played that far into a football season before, into December. It was really cool. Even for two months after it, it didn’t seem real. It was like ‘wow, there are no other teams to beat!’” Maddi said.
Being a collegiate athlete is challenging, juggling academics while also keeping a commitment to your team. But Maddi says his time at BHS enabled him to balance his work in the classroom and on the field.
“It was the coaches, really. The preparation they did, that really helped me physically and mentally prepare. They taught me how to always stay focused, stay ahead, and get your job done,” Maddi said.
Maddi will now share that work ethic with BHS student-athletes this fall as an assistant coach for the Patriots’ football team. He’ll also be able to guide students in the classroom as well, serving as a substitute teacher for the Binghamton City School District while he finishes his Master’s Degree. He plans to be an elementary or middle school teacher full time when he’s done. His message to current Binghamton students?
“Take your time, but don’t waste your talent.”