Senior Student-Athlete Spotlight is a weekly series that will highlight and promote Paul Smith's College senior student-athletes on and off the playing field. This weeks senior is men's basketball & rugby player Donovan Miller!
Why Paul Smith's?
"I decided to choose Paul Smith's College because it was an easy transfer from SUNY Adirondack. Paul Smith's college took all of my credits and I felt that this was the college to help me get prepared for my future. When I came on my campus visitation day the campus was iced over and it was freezing but that didn't stop me. Meeting Joe Conto And Diane Litynski was very inspiring for me, they made me feel that the professors here could help me live my best life after college."
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in, if any? What is your role?
"I am the President of the Student Government Association, I play Rugby and Basketball. I am also apart of DECA and a RA."
What are you hoping to do post-graduation?
"Post graduation I am hoping to travel the world and work for a big hospitality company. I am not sure if I want just food and beverage or just hotel. But I know I want to be in front of the house with a lot of guest interaction."
What inspires you to continue to play your sport?
"I think what inspires me to play sports is the fact that I get to be competitive and be a part of a team. Being the oldest student on both teams I can be a leader and do my best to help them win. I probably won't play much outside of college so I want to play as much as I can now."
How has being a student-athlete shaped your collegiate experience?
"Being a student athlete has shaped my college career because I got the chance to be some amazing people. I came in here as a transfer student with very little friends however, now I have a bunch of lifelong friends who have made this experience amazing."
What has been your most memorable moment as a student-athlete so far?
"My most memorable moment as a student-athlete was by far my first try in rugby! I worked so hard for that and it wasn't going my way, but my teammates were very unselfish and helped me achieve my goal the last home game of the season."
Who has been the most influential person in your athletic career?
"The most influential person in my college career is my brother Cam Girard. He always pushed me to become better and if i wasn't doing well he let me know it. If I was doing well he told me to be better."
Fun Facts:
"I am the biggest WWE fan you'll ever meet"
Favorite Opponent to Play
NCCC
Favorite Professional Team
Cleveland Cavaliers
Favorite Athlete
Kevin Love
Favorite Quote
"Early is on time" - Dominique Boone
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About Paul Smith's College
At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, business, communications and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit www.paulsmiths.edu.
