PITMAN--The NJAC Student-Athlete Spotlight for the week ending March 15^th comes to us from Rowan University. A senior baseball player from Blackwood, NJ, Ryan Pavlik is currently pursuing a degree in Health and Physical Education.
 
Name: Ryan Pavlik
Institution: Rowan University
Year: Senior
Sport: Baseball
Hometown, State: Blackwood, NJ
High School: Highland Regional High School
Major: Health and Physical Education
 
What made you choose your institution?
Rowan has one of the best education programs around and after playing two years at community college I thought it was the best choice.
 
What made you want to become a DIII collegiate athlete? 
Growing up I participated in a lot of sports so I was use to playing a sport. I stuck with baseball and realized playing at the college level would be a dream.
 
What was your first memory of playing your sport?
I do not have a "first memory" because there has been countless memories throughout my career. One of my favorite memories was playing little league and winning The District's when I was 10 and 11 years old. It was awesome being so young and seeing my parents as well as my team members parents be so proud of us for what we accomplished. The bond that team built is something that is still together to this day.
 
What has been the greatest or most memorable moment of your experience as a collegiate athlete?
Fortunately, I have been blessed with playing on great teams all three years of college baseball but last year winning the NJAC was unbelievable. Also, going to regional's and playing on the Yankee's AAA stadium was a memory I will cherish forever.
 
Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?
I do not have any certain pre-game ritual. One thing I like to do is play two-ball. Playing this game makes me feel loose, relaxed and gets me in the mindset to compete with the opposing team.
 
 
What famous athlete do you look up to?
Being a Phillies fan growing up and playing the shortstop position until college, Jimmy Rollins has been my role model. He was pretty much the spark of the Philadelphia Phillies and watching him go about with his "swag" showed me that you have to be confident in yourself whether you are having a great day or bad day. Baseball is a game where you are going to fail a lot and to stay positive throughout the bad times is something I learned from Jimmy.
 
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Teaching Physical Education in a school and a baseball coach would be where I see myself in 5 years.
 
What is your favorite part of competing in the NJAC?
The best thing about being an NJAC student-athlete is getting my education and playing the sport I love at the same time. Also, the competition in the NJAC is unbelievable. No teams just roll over and give you the game. Each and everyday you have to work hard to get the win; it never comes easy.
 
What is your biggest accomplishment OFF the field, court, etc.?
Occasionally, I like going back to my high-school and keep my high-school coach updated on how I am doing. With that being said, I love working with the kids on his team and give them insight on college whether it's just for school or sports. Being in college for four years and 3 different school's I feel like I have a lot of helpful advice to offer to high school seniors.
 
Quick facts about Ryan:
Can't live without: Friends, Family, competing
Favorite movie: Lone Survivor
Favorite class you've ever taken: Physics of Everyday Life
Favorite food: Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
Biggest Fear: Failure
Favorite musical artist: Queen
 
*The NJAC Student-Athlete Spotlight deadline is every Friday by 10:00 AM. Fill out the survey and you could be featured!