A career spent coaching, leading, and mentoring
Mike Gatley founded Next Level Consulting in 2024 to bring decades of coaching, athletic administration, admissions, and financial aid leadership directly to the athletes, families, coaches, and schools he works with.
The record behind the guidance.
Coaching & Athletic Leadership
14 years of collegiate & professional basketball coaching experience
- Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Elizabethtown College
- Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, College of New Jersey
- Head Men's Basketball Coach, Kean University
- Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, University at Albany
- Head Men's Basketball Coach, Atlantic City Seagulls (USBL)
High School Athletic Administration
23 years driving excellence in athletic programs, student-athlete development, and operations
- Hammonton High School (NJ)
- Mainland Regional High School (NJ)
Higher Education & Admissions
Senior roles across admissions, records, and financial aid
- Assistant Director of Admissions & Assistant Registrar, The College of New Jersey
- Associate Director of Financial Aid, Kean University
- Assistant Director of Admissions, Elizabethtown College
Education & Certification
Degrees and credentials behind the work
- B.A., History and Secondary Education — Franklin & Marshall College, PA
- M.A. — The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
- NIAAA Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA)
Awards & honors.
Athletic Director of the Year (2019–20)
Honored by the Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey for outstanding leadership.
National Quality Program Award & Program of Excellence Award (2021)
Recognized by the NIAAA for innovative program management and excellence.
NIAAA Distinguished Service Award
Recognized for outstanding contributions to interscholastic athletics.
NCAA Workshop Presenter (5 years)
Shaping the future of college athletics through leadership and compliance training.
Mission
Guidance, strategy, and mentorship that helps people navigate the complexities of athletics and education — and reach their highest potential.