September 14, 2017
After 20 years of running showcase camps, we’re continually awed and humbled by the student-athletes who we have the privilege of hosting each year. Their mindset, work ethic and grit set these athletes apart, and provide the foundation for success with each endeavor they undertake along their journey.
With these qualities in mind, we are excited to present the next edition of our Alumni Spotlight Serieswhich focuses on an aspiring sports broadcaster and a student-athlete whose unorthodox recruiting journey proves that it’s never too late to find the school that fits perfectly with your athletic and academic goals.
MARSHALL KRAMSY – RHP, NYU Violets
School: NYU, Class of 2018
Major: Media, Culture & Communication
Honor Roll Camp Attended: Northeast, 2013
Bio: A senior pitcher for the Violets, Marshall has faced his share of on-field adversity at NYU. In 2016, he was diagnosed with a torn ulnar-collateral ligament and received the surgical procedure commonly referred to as “Tommy John.” Following a grueling 12-month rehabilitation, Kramsky returned to the mound – making 9 appearances and 1 start for the Violets in his first season back.
Despite these obstacles on the field, Marshall refused to allow them to impact his academic and professional pursuits as he chases his dream of being a sports broadcaster. In his time at NYU, Marshall has been named to the IAAC Honor Roll and has taken advantage of not only the academics but the unparalleled professional opportunities that come with attending a school in the heart of New York City. In just a few short years, he’s gained extensive experience working within his chosen field, including time with NYU’s Sports Information Department, The Ivy League, The PostGame, isportsweb.com, WABC-TV Eyewitness News Sports & currently for MSG Network.
His impressive resume put him in the unique position to secure a highly competitive internship with NBC Sports to travel to PyeongChang, South Korea to assist NBC in their coverage of the 2018 Olympic Games.
After three years as the only Kramsky student-athlete on NYU’s campus, Marshall is joined this fall by his sister Callie Kramsy – fellow Headfirst alum, and a Freshman on the Violets’ softball team.
ZACH KURTZ – IF, Richmond Spiders
School: Richmond, Class of 2019
Major:Business (Finance & Economics); Minor in Math
Honor Roll Camps Attended: Northeast 2014 & California 2014
Bio: There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” recruiting process – and Zach’s route to Division I baseball reinforces that. Carefully considering his interests in both baseball and academics, Zach did not find the perfect college match when he graduated from high school in June.
Rather than give up on his goal of playing baseball at a top academic school, Zach opted to take a post-graduate year and enrolled in night classes at a local university. With no guaranteed opportunity, Zach continued to train in hopes of finding a spot at a school that fit both his academic and athletic aspirations. Eventually, the University of Richmond coaching staff – which had seen him the previous summer – offered Zach a spot on their roster for the following year.
Less than twelve months later, Zach found himself starting at second base for the Spiders on opening day. He contributed two hits in the Spiders’ victory over St. John’s, and has been a regular contributor on the field ever since.
In addition to his time on the diamond, Zach has excelled in the classroom at Richmond. He currently boasts a 3.73 GPA and has been a named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll in each of his first four semesters. Upon graduation, he hopes to find a role that would allow him to combine his interests in both sports and business.