The NJAC Student-Athlete Spotlight for the week ending February 22nd comes to us from Ramapo College of NJ. A senior women's swimmer from Hewitt, NJ, Kathleen Fitzgerald is currently pursuing a Psychology degree with a minor in creative writing.
 
Name: Kathleen Fitzgerald
Instituion: Ramapo College of New Jersey
Year: Senior
Sport: Women's Swimming
Hometown, State: Hewitt, NJ
High School: West Mildford High School
Major: Psychology and Creative Writing minor
 
What made you choose your institution?
I hose Ramapo because I fell in love with the campus and the team was a perfect fit for what I was looking for.
 
What made you want to become a DIII collegiate athlete? 
My club team coach helped my decision mostly because he believed in me wholeheartedly. But another reason is because I can't imagine not swimming.
 
What was your first memory of playing your sport?
My first memory was being on deck watching my older sister swim and then having her teach me so I could swim just like her.
 
What has been the greatest or most memorable moment of your experience as a collegiate athlete?
After being on a hiatus from distance swimming, I came back to do it and swam a best time at METS by dropping a whole two minutes from the last time I had swam it, and looking up in the stands to see both my coaches so proud of me.
 
Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?
Before a race I like to goof off and dance around behind the block but once I get up there, there's no one else but me and that pool.
 
What famous athlete do you look up to?
I actually do not look up to any famous athlete but I do look up to my older sister, Shannan, a great deal. She was an excellent swimmer and an even better teammate. In the years that I've been swimming I always loved to watch Shannan swim and then later in the years I loved having her coach me. 
 
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In 5 years I I hope to see myself anywhere in the country teaching children.
 
What is your favorite part of competing in the NJAC?
My favorite part of being an NJAC student-athlete is the comradery we as a team have and even at our championship meet the competition is still there but we're all rooting for each other.
 
What is your biggest accomplishment OFF the field, court, etc.?
My biggest accomplishment will be graduating in May with my degree in Psychology and then going on to the AmeriCorp program.
 
Quick facts about Kathleen: 
Can't live without: Peanut butter, music, and my family
Favorite movie: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Favorite class you've ever taken: Child Psychology by Sandra Gonsalves
Favorite food: Chicken patties
Biggest Fear: bears
Favorite musical artist: Tom Petty
 
*The NJAC Student-Athlete Spotlight deadline is every Friday by 10:00 AM. Fill out the survey and you could be selected!