PITMAN-- There is no doubt that the New Jersey Athletic Conference boasts some extremely talented athletes, but we wanted to give fans a chance to get to know them beyond what they do on the field, court, track, etc. The Student-Athlete Spotlight helps us get to know one NJAC athlete each Friday.

This week's Student-Athlete Spotlight comes from Ramapo College. A freshman on the women's soccer team, Sydney Kauffman is pursuing a Biology degree at RCNJ.

Get to know her:

Name	Sydney Kauffman
Institution	Ramapo College of New Jersey
Year	Freshman
Sport	Women's Soccer
Hometown, State	Manchester, New Jersey
High School	Manchester Township High School
Major	Biology

What made you choose your institution?
Ramapo is a great science school and will help me achieve all my educational goals. Ramapo is also beautiful and a great community to be a part of.

What made you want to be a DIII collegiate athlete?
Soccer is my passion and my dream was to be a collegiate athlete as a little girl.

What was your first memory of playing your sport?
My first memory playing soccer is when I scored my first goal as a child. I have played defense my whole life, and the memory of scoring at a young age gave me such pride and confidence.

What has been the greatest or most memorable moment of your experience as a college athlete?
Starting my first college game as a freshman was the most memorable moment of my experience so far. I was so nervous and excited to finally be fulfilling my dream.

Do you have any pre-game rituals? If yes, what are they?
My pre-game ritual is to put all my left-footed gear on first before my right, so that means left sock and then right sock, left shin guard and then right shin guard, etc.

What famous athlete do you look up to and why?
Lauren Holiday is a member of the USWNT and inspires me to be a better person and athlete. Her dedication on and off the field inspires me to keep working to be a better athlete.

What is your favorite part about being an NJAC student-athlete?
Being an NJAC student- athlete gives me confidence. I can handle my sport and my education, which I think is an incredible feat.

What is your biggest accomplisment on the field, court, etc.?
My biggest accomplishment on the field thus far in my career is when I made it through my first 120 minutes of soccer. I was so proud of myself for starting and finishing the same game and being able to push my mind and body through overtime.


Quick facts:
3 things you can't live without: My phone, a soccer ball, and peanut butter
Favorite movie: Beauty and the Beast
Favorite class you've ever taken: AP Biology in high school
Favorite food: Teriyaki Chicken
Biggest fear: being a disappointment
Favorite musical artist: Train


Past Spotlights