Interview by Dylan Hogan
Brett Pitzer ’24 graduated from Montreat College with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. Now 25, he is continuing his journey in healthcare while balancing life as both a graduate student and coach.
Pitzer serves as a graduate assistant baseball coach at Concord University, helping with practices while preparing for a future career as a physician assistant. Outside of school and coaching, he spends most of his time running, lifting, cooking, or catching up on sleep after long days of coursework and training.
Originally from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, Pitzer developed a strong interest in health sciences, fitness and patient care during his time at Montreat while balancing the demands of collegiate athletics. A student-athlete recognized for academic and athletic achievement, he earned Appalachian Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honors in 2025, in addition to previous Mountain East Academic All-Conference and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete recognition. On the field, he appeared in 18 games during the season, while off the field, he built the academic foundation for his future in medicine. He also enjoys lifting, fishing and cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
For many student-athletes, the transition away from competition can feel uncertain. For Pitzer, that transition has become an opportunity for growth academically, personally and spiritually. We spoke with him about his journey from baseball to the next stage of his career in medicine.
Q: What first led you to pursue a master’s degree in kinesiology?
A: I graduated in 2024 and still had baseball eligibility left, so I wanted to keep playing while also working toward a science-based master’s degree. When I entered the transfer portal, Coach Rick reached out and told me about the program. It checked every box: flexible, science-focused and something I could complete in a year. Plus, the curriculum really interested me, especially subjects like anatomy and exercise physiology.
Q: What classes during your kinesiology degree helped prepare you the most for physician assistant school?
A: Definitely anatomy. That class gave me one of the strongest foundations for what I’m learning now. I also got a ton out of research methods because we studied relevant health topics and learned how to evaluate information properly. Having that background before physician assistant school helped me feel more prepared going in.
Q: When did you know you wanted to become a physician assistant?
A: That idea started back in high school. My dad actually suggested it because he knew I was interested in medicine. But what really confirmed it for me was shadowing the orthopedic physician assistant who performed my knee surgery. Seeing that hands-on work and how they helped patients made me realize that’s what I wanted to do.
Q: Why choose the physician assistant route instead of becoming a doctor?
A: A big reason is flexibility. As a physician assistant, you can work in different areas of medicine, which really appeals to me. I also liked the timeline. It allows me to start working and helping patients sooner.
Q: What has been the best class you’ve taken so far?
A: Probably clinical medicine or psychology. Both have been really interesting because they connect directly to patient care and understanding people better.
Q: What impact did your time at Montreat have on your future?
A: It honestly prepared me really well for physician assistant school. A lot of the topics I studied there, especially research and evidence-based writing, are exactly what I’m doing now. One of my biggest takeaways was learning how to properly research and back up my points with data. I feel ahead because of that.
Q: What’s a lesson from your time here that stuck with you?
A: The Hurricane Helene was probably the biggest moment for me. It taught me to trust God, even when things feel uncertain or out of control. That’s something I’ve carried with me ever since.
Q: How has your faith grown through college and graduate school?
A: I grew up attending church, but when I entered more secular environments, I realized I needed to take greater ownership of my faith. Montreat College’s spiritual formation opportunities helped make faith a more integrated part of my daily life through classes, team Bible studies, and other experiences. That helped me grow and gave me the confidence to express my faith more openly.
Q: How has being an athlete shaped who you are today?
A: Even though I’m not playing anymore, I still think of myself as an athlete because of everything it taught me. Discipline is a big one, but so is perspective. Baseball is a game of failure. You don’t succeed every time. That helped me understand that it’s OK not to know everything, as long as you keep learning and improving.
Q: You mentioned discipline. Where does that come from?
A: A lot of that comes from my parents, especially my dad. He always emphasized that consistent habits lead to positive outcomes. Sports also played a big role. Being an athlete teaches you discipline every day, whether it’s in training, eating right or staying consistent. Now I just apply that same mindset to school and life.
Q: What was your favorite memory from your baseball career?
A: My favorite overall memory was my senior year at Montreat: the team, the atmosphere, everything. But my favorite personal moment was breaking up a no-hitter in the last inning during my junior year. There were two outs and two strikes, and the odds were against me, which made it even more meaningful.
Q: You dealt with injury during your career. How did that impact you?
A: It definitely affected me physically at first, especially with my wrist. But looking back, it impacted me mentally, too. I lost some confidence because I didn’t fully trust my body. Even so, I’m thankful for that experience. It’s actually part of what led me to Montreat, and I believe God used it for something bigger.
Q: How do you stay balanced with such a demanding schedule?
A: I try to keep things simple. I still work out, take at least one night off a week and do something fun. When things get overwhelming, I like to nap or get outside, especially fishing. That helps me reset.
Q: What keeps you going during long days?
A: Honestly, it comes down to discipline. Staying ahead in coursework and being consistent helps a lot. Motivation comes and goes, but discipline keeps you moving forward.
Q: What are your long-term goals after physician assistant school?
A: I’d love to work in orthopedic surgery, preferably somewhere in North Carolina or another Southern state. I also want to continue my education and eventually pursue a doctorate in medical sciences. In the long term, I’d really like to teach at a college one day after I’m done practicing.
Q: What does success look like for you right now?
A: Being healthy, doing well in school, and having time for family and friends. That’s what success looks like to me right now.
Q: Looking back, what are you most proud of?
A: Definitely my time at Montreat. I’m proud to have earned a degree here and to be part of the community.
Q: What advice would you give to other students?
A: You don’t have to be the smartest or the most talented to succeed. What matters most is having consistent habits and moving in the right direction over time.
Q: If you had to describe this season of life in one sentence, what would it be?
A: Blessed and busy.
To learn more about all the programs offered by Montreat College, please visit our website at www.montreat.edu/degrees.