Each week during the college football season we will feature a player who is an officer for an Uplifting Athletes Chapter for our Beyond the Trophy series.
Name: Luke Paladino
College: Marist College
Height, weight, class, position: 5-11, 143 pounds, redshirt sophomore, kicker
High School: Penfield Senior High School in Rochester, New York
About Luke: The New York native took over the primary kicking duties for the Red Foxes as a redshirt freshman in 2019 and delivered a stellar first season. Luke not only tied the school record with a 49-yard field goal against Stetson, he also added two more field goals from 45 yards or longer. He made 11 of his 14 field goals (79 percent) and finished the season with 61 total points. He was a Pioneer Football League honorable mention selection and was also on the PFL Academic Honor Roll. After participating in the inaugural Marist Chapter Lift For Life in 2019, Luke stepped into a leadership position and attended the 2020 Uplifting Athletes Leadership Development Conference.
What is your most memorable experience as a college football player?
PALADINO: Hitting a school record field goal my freshman year.
What drove you to get involved with Uplifting Athletes?
PALADINO: My good friend, Paul Olivett, started the Marist Chapter so I wanted to help him and get involved in it.
What have you learned from your experience with Uplifting Athletes?
PALADINO: This experience makes me want to help create new experiences at my college because I’ve learned new ways to fundraise and raise awareness for the Rare Disease Community.
What advice would you share with someone in high school looking to play college football?
PALADINO: Take the offer that has the best “whole” experience such as academics, location, etc. rather than just for football reasons.
Who is your favorite NFL player and why?
PALADINO: Peyton Manning. I have loved him since the early 2000’s and he was my childhood hero.
If you could have lunch with any one person (dead or alive), who would you choose and why?
PALADINO: Frank Sinatra. He is a legend and I would want to talk to him about his experiences in life.
LUKE ON THE HOT SEAT
What is your perfect pizza?
PALADINO: Plain cheese pie
All time favorite movie?
PALADINO: Inglorious Bastards/Interstellar
What is your go-to fast food restaurant?
PALADINO: Chipotle
Favorite sports team (any sport)?
PALADINO: University of North Carolina Tar Heels
What is the most used app on your phone?
PALADINO: Snapchat
