Division 3 Week Q&A with AJ Gartland

By: Josh Romero, Athletic Communications Intern

As a part of the 2022 Division III Week from April 4-10, Alfred State Athletics will be unveiling a Q&A to highlight with some Pioneers who embody the ideals of a Division III student-athlete. 

Why did you choose Alfred State/Division III?

I chose Alfred State because it was the best mix of academics and athletics for me. Coach Armstrong and the people in the Architecture program made me feel welcomed and I knew I would be able to pursue all my goals and reach my full potential as a student and athlete.

2. How does being a Division III student-athlete better prepare you in life?

My five years as a student athlete at Alfred have taught me that I can complete any future endeavor I set out on. Through my growth as an athlete, I have gained valuable experience in leading others, leading myself, and earning everything I set out to get. Being a student athlete, I have become comfortable with being uncomfortable, communicating with many different types of people, and managing my time so all the people in my life get the best from me.

3. What will you (or do you) miss the most about Alfred State/ your team?

I will miss the people in Alfred the most. In the architecture studio and in the baseball program, I have created relationships here that have changed my life forever. Over the past five years I have felt myself grow tremendously and I owe all of that to the people who have taught, mentored, or befriended me here at Alfred.

4. What life lessons have you learned from being a collegiate athlete?

Collegiate sports have taught me more about life than anything else in my life so far. Through many trials and failures, college baseball has taught me more about myself than I ever thought I would be comfortable knowing. With amazing people around me, I understood the importance of my attention, attitude, and discipline, and I have turned those lessons into the foundation for my success now and in the future.

5. What is your favorite memory so far at Alfred State?

My favorite memories at Alfred all involve my teammates and our journey on the field together. I came to this school with the intention of building something special, and we are doing just that. Looking back on our growth through the years, going from a 12-win team my first year, to a regionally recognized program with multiple top-25 wins currently, is something that I will cherish forever.

6. What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

My advice to incoming freshmen: pay attention, put yourself out there, and stay true to what you believe in. Find people who support you, and keep them close. And most importantly, have fun and always remember how lucky you are. College goes fast, and it's very easy to not understand how good you have it until its almost over.

Quick Hitters

Favorite tv show: live sports: baseball, football, golf

Favorite food: Breakfast sandwich from the Jet

Favorite Artist: Hardy

Favorite Athlete: Derek Carr