Nick Levanti ’16: Sociology
There was little time Clayville native Nick Levanti ’16 didn’t spend in the Wildcat Field House. While his Sociology degree has served him well in coaching, the former student-athlete/lacrosse standout says, “I learned the most inside that building.”
These life lessons came from working closely with SUNY Poly Athletics staff and coaches like Al Calogero, Kevin Edick, Brent Dodge, Kelly Colbert and the late Kevin Grimmer.
“I’m just very thankful that I was able to spend as much time with them as I did,” he said. “I learned a lot of lessons, sometimes the hard way … just seeing how they operated, how they handled things, and how hard they worked.”
Post-college, Levanti was offered an assistant coaching position with the Men’s Lacrosse team, assisting then newcomer and fellow New Hartford HS alum Brandon Misiaszek (who recently led SUNY Poly to multiple NAC titles), someone Levanti says also taught him valuable lessons. “He’s a tremendous coach and lacrosse mind,” says Levanti.
In athletics, as Levanti points out, you have to wear a lot of hats. Working with SUNY Poly athletics as a student, helping with field management and other tasks, and then working as an assistant coach, gave him the firsthand experience to see what is needed to have success at the highest levels.
Today, Levanti lives in Michigan, outside of Detroit. He takes a leading role in operations and fulfillment at Scorpion Sport, a company founded by former collegiate athletes that focuses on custom, sublimated uniforms and apparel for various sports. Levanti also serves as a coach with Cherries Lacrosse, whose mission is to help players who want to play beyond high school in achieving those goals through competition, training and attending elite events, as well as helping/advising them in the recruiting process. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, Levanti also serves as the head coach of Hartland High School’s Boys Lacrosse team. His Eagles have made it to four straight final fours, and in 2022 he was named the Division I State Coach of the Year.
It can certainly be a lot to juggle, but Levanti thanks his fiancé for her support. “It helps to have someone who’s understanding and supportive of the things that you’re passionate about,” he notes.
Levanti’s path to SUNY Poly started after his freshman year, as a transfer student. He speaks highly of the university’s value and affordability, allowing students to get a great education at a fraction of the cost of similar institutions. He went on to major in sociology, with a minor in criminal justice. The catalyst for that direction was an interest in law enforcement, but the sociology elements discussed in his studies have helped him when coaching, where you must bring together a team comprised of athletes from all different backgrounds and their own unique experiences.
As for advice for current and future student-athletes, Levanti says: 1) Get to know the strength and conditioning coach; 2) Be in the best physical condition; 3) Learn how to manage your time; and 4) Spend as much time as possible at the Wildcat Field House.
“I always thought the most successful athletes at SUNY Poly spent the most time in the Field House,” said Levanti. “Whether that’s basketball players putting up shots, baseball players practicing in the batting cages until it had holes all over it, or with lacrosse, getting out on the turf. The more time you spend in that Field House, the better. It’s a great tool to utilize.”
