Article inspired by Andrew DiDonato- The Power of Vision
When Andrew DiDonato became head coach of Grove City College’s football team in 2016, he faced a program in shambles—0–30 over the previous three seasons, with no wins since 2012. Yet, in his first team meeting, he didn’t talk about schemes or stats. For five straight minutes, he repeated one line:
“To glorify God in the pursuit of earning a degree, building lasting relationships, and competing for PAC Championships.”
No flash, just focus. That vision transformed a winless team into a Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) champion and NCAA Division III playoff contender. Here’s how DiDonato’s clarity of purpose rebuilt Grove City football from the ground up, brick by brick.
A Program on Its Knees, A Coach with a Plan
Taking over a team with a 0–10 record in 2015, DiDonato could’ve fixated on the losses. Instead, he leaned on a lesson from mentors like Pat Williams and leadership giants like Walt Disney and Sam Walton, as well as biblical figures like Moses and David: great leaders are anchored by vision.
“Vision is a clear picture of who I am and the target of who I aim to be,” DiDonato says.
Rather than chasing quick fixes, he crafted a purpose-driven blueprint that shaped every decision—recruiting, coaching staff hires, and play calls. That vision wasn’t just a goal; it was the program’s identity from day one.
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Vision as Identity and Target
Unlike coaches who treat vision as a distant dream, DiDonato insisted it defined Grove City now.
“Competing for PAC Championships is who we aim to be, but it’s also who we are,” he says.
Even in 2016, with a roster that hadn’t tasted victory, DiDonato coached like a championship team. This mindset reshaped everything. The Wolverines didn’t wait to become contenders—they trained, prepared, and played like they already were.
DiDonato embedded this vision at every level. The team had a vision statement, as did each unit—offense, defense, special teams—and every position group, including the quarterbacks he personally coached. This alignment gave players and coaches a shared purpose, no matter the scoreboard.
How Vision Delivered Results
DiDonato’s approach yielded three key outcomes:
- Clear Direction: The vision guided every choice, from practice drills to game plans, ensuring no effort was wasted.
- Sustained Momentum: It kept the team grinding through tough seasons, like 2016’s 0–10 finish, by focusing on purpose over results.
- Unified Culture: It tied everyone to a mission bigger than themselves, fostering resilience and teamwork.
The turnaround was stunning. By 2018, Grove City went 8–3, their best season in 21 years, and won the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) James Lynah Bowl—the program’s first postseason victory in 125 years. From there, the Wolverines won four straight ECAC bowl games (2018–2021) and, in 2023, finished a perfect 10–0 regular season, clinching the PAC Championship and earning their first NCAA Division III playoff appearance and win. Their only loss came in a one-point thriller against the national champions.
The Power of Vision in Action
DiDonato’s vision shone through in stories like that of Brett Pinson, a 2016 senior who transferred to Grove City and endured a 0–30 record over his career. Yet, in his final week, when DiDonato asked why he still showed up to practice, Pinson’s answer was unwavering: “To compete for PAC Championships, coach.” That dedication, despite no wins, laid the foundation for the program’s rise.
DiDonato’s “Brick by Brick” philosophy—small, daily improvements tied to the vision—fueled the climb. By 2023, Grove City was no longer a doormat but a powerhouse, with a 33–11 record over four seasons and a PAC title.
A Legacy Built on Clarity
DiDonato sums it up: “It’s hard to hit a small target. It’s impossible to hit one you don’t have.”
His vision wasn’t just a turnaround—it’s Grove City’s operating system. From a winless 2016 to an undefeated 2023 regular season, the Wolverines’ rise shows what happens when a coach defines who the team is and where they’re going, then lives it daily.
For coaches or leaders staring at the bottom, DiDonato’s challenge is clear: get a vision, make it your identity, and build relentlessly. That’s how you win—brick by brick.