Joe Kurzeja has a different relationship with Monmouth University compared to most incoming freshmen.
Kurzeja's name may be familiar to fans of the Monmouth's men's lacrosse program as he was matched with the team following his diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Through Team IMPACT, an organization that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, Thomas chose to join the Hawks when he was 11 years old and has been with the team ever since.
"When I was thinking about where I wanted to go to college I reflected on my past with the team and said to myself, 'I have already been a Hawk for seven years, so let's make it 11 years being a Hawk.'"
He certainly has one of the more unique stories among the students who will attend Monmouth as part of the Class of 2024. Kurzeja's successful navigation through treatment, including spinal taps and chemotherapy, included positive support from the Monmouth student-athletes.
"The players would e-mail me positive thoughts and encouragement as they knew I was scared each time I went for treatment," Kurzeja said. "They always knew how to make me laugh and smile when I needed it the most. My first year as a Hawk, I was on the sideline for every home game and the team let me lead the postgame handshake line."
"I have met so many amazing athletes and role models throughout my time with the Hawks," Kurzeja continued. "However, there are certain individuals that took me under their wings when I was fighting cancer. I wish I could name them all, but here are some of the ones that come to mind; Kevin, Ryan, Bryce, Ryan, Dylan, Keegan, Nick, Gordie, Nick, John, Eric and Marco."
Not only did Kurzeja beat cancer, he thrived as a student-athlete himself at Colonia High School. He was a team-captain and varsity letterwinner on the swim team, played tennis and a member of the marching band. He also participated in Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, was part of Show Choir and is an active member of Relay for Life. Kurzeja was a keynote speaker at two Relay for Life events and hopes to continue with the organization as long as possible.
Kurzeja plans to be heavily involved during his time at Monmouth as well. He is planning to continue his existing relationship with the men's lacrosse team, hopes to play club lacrosse and has interest in the surf and outdoors clubs. Academically, Kurzeja has his sights set on a biology major with a concentration in molecular cell physiology.
"I would like to go into the medical field, whether that is continuing into medical school or a Physician Assistant's program," Kurzeja said about his future plans. "My goal is to become specialized in Pediatric Oncology."
In many ways, his relationship with Monmouth is just beginning, but his past experience has led him to continue his journey as a member of the Hawk Family.
