Bio

Joel Leindecker has served as Midland University’s Assistant Track & Field Coach since 2019. Leindecker has over 10 years of experience as a track and field coach and has worked with pole-vaulters, combined events, and all jumping events.

In his time at Midland, Leindecker has coached 18 All-Conference performeres, 7 All-Americans, and 3 National Champions. Shandon Reitzell won the men’s 2021 indoor, 2021 outdoor, and 2022 indoor high jump championships.

Prior to joining the Midland staff, Leindecker spent three seasons at the University of Detroit Mercy (NCAA Division I). Leindecker was able to coach 30 athletes to top-ten school marks in their respective events—including school records for the men’s and women’s pole vault. Leindecker also coached the 2018 Horizon League champion for the women’s heptathlon.

Leindecker spent three seasons coaching pole vault at Adrian College (NCAA Division III). While there Leindecker continued to work with high school athletes by founding a vaulting club. His vaulting club produced 18 athletes who qualified for the MHSAA state finals, 11 all-state performers, and one indoor state champion.

Leindecker began his coaching career at Vandercook Lake High School, located in Vandercook, Michigan. He primarily served as the pole vaulting coach before his responsibilities grew to include other field events. In five seasons at VLHS, he coached six Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) qualifiers and saw the pole vault school record fall three times.

A Michigan native, Leindecker graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education. He and his wife, Jeannie, live in Fremont with their two dogs and cat.