Mike Nazzaro: MVP Off The Field
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Michael Nazzaro, a Boxford, Massachusetts native, has shown for the past three years that he is a Bear with a purpose. Nazzaro is a currently a senior on the football team who is dedicated to his schoolwork, community, and teammates. We are proud to call Mike Nazzaro Bridgewater State University’s first “MVP Off the Field”.
By Sarah Lagasse
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Michael Nazzaro, a Boxford, Massachusetts native, has shown for the past three years that he is a Bear with a purpose. Nazzaro is a currently a senior on the football team who is dedicated to his schoolwork, community, and teammates. We are proud to call Mike Nazzaro Bridgewater State University's first "MVP Off the Field".
Nazzaro has been no stranger to academic success. This psychology major has made the Dean's List for four semesters during his time at Bridgewater. He has also been on the New England Football Conference All-Academic Team each of the past two years.
Mike's heart has drawn him towards working with developmentally disabled adults in day programs, group homes, and facility style living for the past four summers and winter breaks.
"Working at the group home gave me an opportunity to not only help the lives of the men living there, but also help their families," said Nazzaro.
Mike had the opportunity to learn about the process of writing behavior plans for developmentally disabled adults and has attended meetings for individuals' support plans. He says these experiences have helped him develop the caring side of his personality.
Nazzaro has also been part of the Children's Physical Developmental Clinic (CPDC) for the past two years. This nationally recognized program aims "to improve the 'total development' of children with disabilities by enhancing vital physical, motor and aquatic skills and patterns. In addition, the program stresses the improvement of children's self esteem by strengthening emotional-social aspects of their personality through successful involvement in play, recreation and sport activities" (CPDC Mission Statement).
Mike is also a valued member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). This is a committee of student-athletes who meet with the Athletic Director once a month. The goal of this committee is to "increase communication and cooperation between student-athletes and administration as well as to enhance and support the welfare of our athletes and their endeavors" (SAAC Mission Statement).
On top of all his responsibilities, Nazzaro has also been employed at the weight room in the Kelly Gymnasium and this past year was promoted to co-manager of the weight room.
Nazzaro received New England Football Conference (NEFC) Honorable Mention player of the week honors last year for his stellar performance as a defensive tackle. He explains that his participation in collegiate athletics has influenced his life the most by teaching him the importance of acting and playing as a team.
"I am surrounded by a great group of guys every day on the field. Off the field they would do anything to help me. I feel that I constantly have someone there to help me up when I am down. The support from my teammates and the friendships I have made with some truly amazing people are the greatest thing I will take from my four years of being a part of the Bridgewater State University football program," said Nazzaro.
Mike explained that collegiate-athletics has humbled his ego as well as pushed him to put all of his effort into everything that he does.
"Collegiate athletics does not just bring your competition to the next level, it brings you as a person to the next level," he noted.
Nazzaro hopes to become a clinical psychologist and Bridgewater State University Athletics wishes him the best of luck.