Salisbury senior baseball outfielder Kyle Goodwin is an exercise science major with goals of becoming a physical therapist. Goodwin is an active member on the SU campus, serving as the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). He also has strong opinions on a number of topics ranging from unemployment to violence. Goodwin and the Sea Gulls are currently tied for first place in the CAC with just over a week remaining in the regular season. INTRODUCING … Kyle Goodwin.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play? 

I have been playing baseball ever since I can remember. My mom says I learned how to swing a bat before I learned how to walk. I started my organized baseball career at the age of eight in the Tom Brown Rookie league, where I learned to play every position. I then moved up and began playing Little League and travel baseball where I primarily played third base. At the beginning of my career at Parkside High School my primary position was still third base, but during my junior year I made the switch to first base. I came to Salisbury University as first baseman, but after the fall season Coach Fleetwood asked me to make a transition to the outfield. I stayed there until my junior season when Coach Brohawn wanted me to move back to first. Now heading into my senior season I am back out in the outfield. In my three years with the program we have won two Conference championships, two Regional championships and appeared in the College World Series twice.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  

My major is Exercise Science. The most important thing that I have learned is that no two people are the same. What works for one individual may not yield the same results for another. It is important to get to know the people that you work with to help motivate them to adhere to an active and healthy lifestyle.

What is your favorite spot on campus? 

My favorite spot on campus has to be the dining hall. All you can eat food. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?

 I love to visit my Aunt and Uncles lake house. It is a great place to relax and get away. We always have a great time riding jet skis, taking out the boat, and spending quality family time together.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  

I am president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and work as a Community Assistant at University Orchard.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.

The most memorable experience was dog piling after winning the Regional championships and having the opportunity to play in the College World Series.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students? 

The biggest issue that college students face is finding a job in their field of study after they graduate. So many students after graduation are forced to take jobs that don’t really pertain to their major. Now it is not necessarily something the student can control. I am sure all of them would love to take jobs that utilize the knowledge that they spent thousands of dollars on and countless hours acquiring. But unemployment is such a big problem in our country, that people don’t always get the opportunity to do so.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?

The biggest worldwide issue that I would like to change would be violence. Too many innocent people lose their lives due to needless acts of violence. These people leave behind grieving parents, brothers, sisters and other loved ones. To make this change I try to demonstrate random acts of kindness throughout my day, in hope that those actions become contagious. You never know how one simple gesture such as holding the door open or saying “Hello, how are you?” can positively affect someone’s life. Mentoring at risk kids would also be a great opportunity to create a movement against violence. Sometimes all these kids need are positive role models in their lives. I hope that the way I live my life shows the importance of loving one another.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life? 

The most influential person in my life is Dr. Ron Siers. I have had the privilege to play baseball for coach Siers since I was ten years old, from little league to travel ball and now in college. But his influence goes way beyond the baseball field. I have never met someone who is more passionate about what they do in life than he is. Whether he is teaching in the classroom or coaching on the field he takes pride in his work and provides positive energy that motivates everyone. One of his greatest attributes is his work ethic. He aspires to be the best that he can be in order to bring out the best in everyone around him.  Coach Siers never hesitates to assist with anything you need. He has taught me a lot about what it takes to be a great leader and even better person. The best piece of advice that I have received from Coach Siers is to “Control what you can control”. You are guaranteed to face adversity but at the end of the day if you can look in the mirror and say that you did everything you could, then you just have to let everything else fall into place. I will always look up to coach Siers and I thank him for all that he has done.

What is your favorite form of entertainment? 

My favorite form of entertainment is hanging out with my friends and family. No matter what we do, it is always a good time.

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)? 

My favorite source of information is from the Fox News website. It is easy to access with my smartphone, so I always have the most up to date news.

 If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be? 

I would say, “Stay open minded and try new things. You never know what you may enjoy unless you try.”

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team? 

My favorite sports teams are the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles. I am from Salisbury, Md. so they are the closest thing to home teams.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    

1. Ray Lewis- I am a huge Baltimore Ravens fan and growing up I idolized Ray Lewis. In particular his work ethic and leadership skills. He made everyone around him better. Being able to pick his brain about what it took to be successful and a great leader would be a tremendous opportunity.
2. Kevin Hart- He is HILARIOUS! Dinner would be filled with constant laughter and hopefully his humor would rub off on me.
3. Greg Steil- Mr. Steil is the founder of Athletic Therapeutic Institute (ATI) Physical Therapy, which is one of the country’s top physical therapy companies. Being able to talk to him about his journey in the career of physical therapy and being an extremely successful CEO would significantly benefit me in my pursuit of becoming a physical therapist.