Get to Know Former Men's Soccer Student-Athlete Steve Milligan '86

BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The next alum in the Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation's Get to Know Series is former men's soccer student-athlete Steve Milligan from the Class of 1986. Milligan was named to the All-Middle Atlantic Conference Southern Division First Team as a defender in both 1984 and 1985, and he was selected to National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Mid-Altantic Regional All-American Honorable Mention squad in 1984. Milligan helped the men's soccer program make its only NCAA Division III Tournament appearance in 1982 and the squad captured the 1983 MAC title.

Steve Milligan
Class: 1986

How did you choose the sport you played when you were growing up? My older brother played soccer and the sports club near our home did not have a football program.

Why did you choose to come to Moravian College? Coach Makuvek recruited me. I came up for a campus visit and fell in love with the atmosphere.

What experiences as a student-athlete at Moravian helped prepare you for life after college? Competing in athletics at the college level, helps you immensely after college. You are always competing against someone for something or even against yourself or against the goals you set for yourself. Being a college athlete helps frame a competitive mindset that applies to all walks of life.

How did you get into your current occupation? Insurance was a popular industry then and now.  I knew I would be in sales, in some capacity.

What was your favorite place on campus? Otis Place!! It is no longer there, but the row of homes alongside the old gymnasium was the best place to live when you were a junior and senior.

What activities/organizations were you involved in at Moravian College as a student-athlete? Soccer, Golf, Intramurals, the Amrhein Loan Fund.

What was your most memorable moment at Moravian? Winning the Middle Atlantic Conference Championship in 1983. 

What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? Don't shortchange your academics, especially during your first two years. Being a successful student trumps athletic accomplishments. You can be successful at both, but it takes hard work and discipline.

What advice do you have for current student-athletes as they approach graduation? Enjoy your last few months as a student. It will never be the same after graduation. Appreciate the friends you make and the memories you created. Make sure you learn to network after you graduate.

What is the best piece of advice you've been given? Be reliable. It is more important the most other qualities. You can always learn how to do a job, but when the people you work for know you will there when they need you, they will never forget it or you.

Who are your role models/most influential people? I always remember two or three people who I worked for when I was younger that took the time to teach me to be better at what I was doing. The reason I remember them, in particular, because you realize the many others who did not help you grow. 

Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? Charles Barkley, Bill Murray, My Dad

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. I am not the super serious, no fun person everyone thinks I am. Wink emoji but I don't know how to add them.

Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – Orange
Favorite Food – Cheeseburger
Favorite Restaurant – Based on the last 10 months, apparently, it's my kitchen
Favorite Movie – The Sting
Favorite TV Show – The Office
Favorite Musical Artist – Rod Stewart
Favorite Athlete – Phil Mickelson
Favorite Pro Team – Philadelphia Eagles
Hobbies – Reading, Golf, Going to the beach
Most Prized Possession – My family
Ideal Travel Destination – Any warm beach
Your Spirit Animal – Greyhound - Come On!! What else could it be.
Superpower you'd Like to Have – Immortality