TAMPA, Fla. — University of Tampa pitcher Ryan Stefiuk transferred from State College of Florida for one reason – winning.
That he’s done.
But for Stefiuk, a school-record 17-0 start to the season is only the beginning. The four-year member of the National Honour Society, majoring in pre-med, is dreaming about winning the National Championship in a Spartans jersey.
“That’s something that I go to bed to dreaming about every night,” said Stefiuk in an interview at UT Baseball Field. “This is such a great group of guys and just to, you know, do something as big as winning a national championship … I think it would just mean a lot to all of us, just to see all of the hard work we put in day in and day out physically,” with a ninth championship number on UT’s outfield wall.
The junior has appeared in four games this season, all in relief. His 1.69 earned-run average is a career best. But baseball might not be Stefiuk’s calling.
Originally, he studied allied health – preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases – but switched to pre-med this past summer.
“I really want to work with kids, specifically in oncology,” he said. “I went on a mission trip over the summer and just was able to connect with a bunch of kids and that just really just sparked something inside of me.”
If it’s not a professional baseball career for Stefiuk he would like to become a doctor.
“One hundred per cent, yeah, that’s the plan for now,” he said. “Obviously, a lot of things can change because it’s just such a long period of time for studying. Especially in pre-med. So, yeah, for sure, doctor is definitely number one.”
But for now, Stefiuk’s focus is on the diamond.
“Baseball-wise,” he said, “I’m definitely going to keep riding this thing until the wheels fall off.”