From Philosophy to the Pitcher’s Mound: How One Student-Athlete Found Purpose at Le Moyne
Choosing a college isn’t just about picking a major or joining a team. For Le Moyne student Michael “Big Mike” Pastrana ’28, it was about finding a place where his academic passions and athletic goals could come together. A place where he could grow into the person he wanted to become. He recently visited The Le Moyne Way podcast to share his experience.
Big Mike’s journey to Le Moyne wasn’t linear. After graduating high school at 19, taking a gap year, and recovering from ankle surgery, he visited campus with a few hopes and a lot of questions. But what he found here surprised him—starting with an unexpected welcome from President Linda LeMura herself.
President LeMura ran right down the aisle to say hello to me. I knew immediately: if this is how I’m welcomed, this is where I belong.
Blending Academics with Athletics
Now a philosophy and history dual major (and a pitcher on the Le Moyne baseball team) Big Mike brings passion and curiosity to every part of college life. He’s the kind of student who shows up to an 8:30 a.m. philosophy class energized and eager to engage. But he also knows the grind of balancing school, sports, and self-care.
If I let one class or challenge affect everything else in my life, then I’ve lost control. I need to hold the water…to keep things at bay.
That mindset, drawn from his studies, helped him bounce back from early struggles on the field. With support from coaches and professors, and a renewed focus on consistency, Mike found his rhythm and his confidence.
Whether it’s discussing philosophy with classmates or getting a pep talk from a teammate, Big Mike sees Le Moyne as more than a college: it’s a community that encourages growth, curiosity, and compassion.
For students like Big Mike, Le Moyne is where passion meets purpose and where learning goes far beyond the classroom.
If you’re looking for a college experience rooted in belonging, growth, and big ideas, you’re in the right place.
Take a Deeper Dive
Inspired by His Story?
“Big Mike” Pastrana ’28 found more than a team at Le Moyne: he found a community that fuels both his mind and his game. How will you make your mark on The Heights?
