Aidan Mandel, a prominent member of the SBCC Men’s Basketball team, has recently announced his decision to further his academic and basketball career at Westmont College. This comes as exciting news for both Mandel and the local community, as he looks forward to joining the Westmont Warriors while staying close to home.
Mandel has expressed his gratitude for his time at SBCC, stating that he has experienced significant personal and academic growth during his tenure at the college. His dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as SBCC head coach, Devin Engebretsen, commended Mandel for his outstanding character and representation of Santa Barbara.
Prior to his time at SBCC, Mandel played for San Marcos High School, where he played a pivotal role in leading his team to an undefeated league championship, earning himself the title of Channel League MVP.
Despite receiving minimal recruitment from Division-III schools, Mandel made the bold decision to join the Vaqueros, a move that Coach Engebretsen believes has significantly elevated the program’s standing. The impact of Mandel’s choice has been instrumental in reshaping the local recruitment landscape for SBCC.
During his freshman year, Mandel proved himself to be a force on the court, leading the Vaqueros to their most successful season in over a decade. His exceptional performance earned him a spot on the 1st Team All-Conference, demonstrating his talent and potential as a basketball player.
Unfortunately, Mandel encountered a setback during his second year at SBCC, sustaining a broken leg that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. However, his resilience and determination did not go unnoticed, and he has now secured a scholarship to play for the Westmont Warriors, a Division-II team.
With only a short distance to travel to watch Mandel in action, his family is excited about the prospect of attending his games at Westmont. Additionally, due to his injury, Mandel enters the Warriors program with three more years of eligibility, presenting a valuable opportunity for him to further develop his skills on the court.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Mandel has excelled academically, boasting an impressive 4.0 GPA in SBCC’s Honors Program. With aspirations to pursue a degree in history and potentially explore the field of law, Mandel’s academic achievements are equally noteworthy.
As he prepares to embark on this new chapter of his academic and athletic journey, Mandel reflects on his time at SBCC with fondness, expressing gratitude for the valuable experiences and opportunities he has encountered. Although he is eager to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, he acknowledges that he will miss the cherished memories created during his time at SBCC.
In closing, SBCC Athletics extends its best wishes to Aidan Mandel as he transitions to Westmont College, anticipating the positive impact he will undoubtedly make both on and off the court. With his remarkable talent, unwavering dedication, and exemplary character, Mandel is poised to leave a lasting impression at Westmont as he continues to pursue his academic and athletic aspirations.