Spotlight: NJCU's Drew Marley

Spotlight: NJCU's Drew Marley

PITMAN--There's no doubt the NJAC boasts some extremely talented athletes but we want fans to know that there's more to these athletes than just their accomplishments on the field, court, etc. The NJAC Student-Athlete Spotlight highlights one student-athlete each Friday.
 
The NJAC Student-Athlete Spotlight for the week ending January 11th comes to us from New Jersey City University. A senior men's basketball player from Maplewood, NJ, Drew Marley is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology.



Name Drew Marley
Institution New Jersey City University
Year Senior
Sport Men's Basketball
Hometown, State Maplewood, NJ
High School Columbia High School
Major Psychology
What made you choose your institution? It was the most affordable state university in New Jersey and the opportunity to play NJAC basketball again under Coach Marc Brown.
What made you want to be a DIII collegiate athlete? After my high school career had ended, I felt I hadn't reached my potential as a player. I wasn't a scholarship athlete, but I was a hard worker who still had the desire to compete. Division 3 seemed like the best fit for me.
What was your first memory of playing your sport? Before my childhood friends and I could afford a real basketball hoop, we would play 3v3 using a garbage can as our rim.
What has been the greatest or most memorable moment of your experience as a collegiate athlete? Making the playoffs after starting with 9 conferences losses on the season during m freshman year. It was historic and I'll never forget what we accomplished my first year at NJCU.
Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what are they? Stretching, eating a piece of fruit, and most importantly meditation to clear my mind before I play.
What famous athlete do you look up to and why? LeBron James: Because even after he failed to lead his team to victory in the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, he proved failure can lead to success by returning the next year determined to lead his team to back to back NBA Championships despite all of the pressure and scrutiny he had to deal with following the loss in 2011.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself either in graduate school at NJCU for my MBA or working in Pittsburgh while hopefully playing Semi Professional basketball.
What is your favorite part about being an NJAC student-athlete? My favorite part about being an NJAC Student Athlete is the opportunity to play basketball at a high level with great teammates who love the game as much as I do.
What is your biggest accomplishment off the field, court, etc.? Recently completed an Internship in Pittsburgh this summer for the transportation solutions company PITT OHIO. It was a great experience that really helped prepare me for life after college.
Quick facts about Drew:
3 things you can't live without: Family, Friends, Basketball.
Favorite movie: He Got Game
Favorite class you've ever taken: Social Psychology
Favorite food: BBQ Spare Ribs
Biggest fear: Not learning from my mistakes. Being complacent in life.
Favorite musical artist: 50 Cent

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