Welcome back to another powerful episode of the RU Strong Podcast, where we celebrate the stories of athletes who refuse to quit when life gets tough.

Today, I’m fired up to introduce a guest whose story defines resilience, discipline, and redemption, Mike Vanbrill, one of the most accomplished wrestlers to ever wear the Rutgers “R.”

A South Jersey native from Clearview High School, Mike was a high school All-American, finishing with an incredible 37–1 record his senior year and a state runner-up finish. At Rutgers, he became a three-time NCAA qualifier, Big Ten bronze medalist, four-time Academic All-Big Ten, and two-time Academic All-American, proving excellence on the mat and in the classroom.

But what makes Mike’s story truly remarkable isn’t just the stats. It’s his journey. From grueling training camps thattested his limits, to the heartbreak of seeing his first NCAA Tournament canceled by COVID, to walking away from wrestling and rediscovering himself in nature, even setting a world record cliff dive over 100 feet. Mike’s story is about finding balance, purpose, and faith in the process.

Today, Mike is the Creative Director at Click Funnels, working alongside entrepreneur Russell Brunson, while still helpinglead his family’s thriving Van Brill Pools & Spas business in South Jersey. His path from a wrestling mat to the business world is a lesson in hard work, reinvention, and stayinggrounded no matter how high you climb.

So, get ready because this conversation dives deep into perseverance, mindset, family, and the power of believing in yourself even when life throws you off balance.

Here’s my conversation with Mike Vanbrill.