Recent Grad Matt Motyka '22 Continues Athletics Career in Pac-12
When Matt Motyka’s college baseball career with the Westfield State University ended, he went from the pitcher’s mound, onto a cross-country flight
When Matt Motyka's college baseball career with Westfield State University ended, he went from the pitcher's mound, onto a cross-country flight, and into a new and different athletics experience. This past September, Motyka returned to collegiate athletics as an Athletic Turfs Supervisor for the Arizona State Sun Devils from the power-five and NCAA Division 1 PAC-12 Conference. His role involves the maintenance and oversight of the University's athletic turf grounds, which include the team's football, baseball, softball, beach volleyball, and lacrosse fields among others.
On top of field maintenance for the Arizona State athletic teams, Motyka was part of the crew that readied the Sun Devils' fields to host for the NFL to host the Kansas City Chiefs prior to Super Bowl LVII. The Super Bowl Champion Chiefs practiced at Arizona State in the lead up to the game, causing additional time and attention spent on the University's practice fields well past the college football season.
After graduating from Westfield State, Motyka's career journey took him to the west coast as he spent two and a half months as a turf technician for the San Francisco Giants spring training affiliate site in Scottsdale, Arizona. His responsibilities included maintaining the complex's four training fields as well as the bullpens before settling into his position at Arizona State. Motyka's first taste of working in grounds came with the Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin' Donuts Park while still an undergraduate student.
"I want to be in athletics and stay in athletics," said Moytka. "It is something new every day," as he discussed the various different projects associated with the position such as redoing the pipe system, fertilizing fields, and removing sod.
In his first full year experiencing the job, Motyka highlighted the fall season as the busiest time of the year.
"Football accounts for about 85% of my time during the fall season. It is such a big draw and you have to make sure you are taking the time to get it right," said Motyka. The University averages more than 45,000 fans per game and routinely play against top-25 teams and some of the top players in nation, including this upcoming season where the Sun Devils host Heisman Trophy frontrunner Caleb Williams and USC.
"One part of the job that interests me is that no two days are the same," added Motyka. "The job is always changing and that's what I like most about it." Motyka put an emphasis on wanting to stay connected to college athletics in some facet, and stated that his baseball playing career kept him motivated to continue his professional career in athletics.
"Enjoy every day and don't take anything for granted. I was fortunate to remain injury-free throughout my baseball career which made me put greater importance on the smaller things in life. My job is another step forward in my career," he said.
Motyka came to Westfield as a journalism major, as he transferred from Lasell University for his final year of eligibility after COVID-19 ultimately cancelled a large portion of the 2020 season. He spent the year with the Owls baseball team as a pitcher and first baseman. As a reliever, Motyka led the Owls with two saves, and posted a 3.26 earned-run average across 19.1 innings. He also belted a home run in a 7-2 victory over Amherst College.
Matt also served as Westfield State Athletics primary play-by-play announcer throughout the fall and winter seasons while filling in wherever possible around his baseball schedule in the spring.
The Vernon,Connecticut, native credits time management skills that he learned during his stint with the Owls as a small piece of success that he found that is assisting him in his current position.
"Just staying organized and understanding what needs to be done when and how are important steps to the job," said Motyka.
When asked about his immediate and long-term goals related to his career path, Motyka is excited to be working in the profession, but is keeping an open mind. "I have a passion for grounds, particularly in baseball and softball, but it is not the end-all, be-all," he said.
Matt also holds a part-time gig as an announcer for high school games in the area, and recalled his time as the Owls play-by-play announcer at Westfield State as a positive experience. "I would love to get back into broadcasting and be the voice of someone somewhere if the right opportunity presented itself."
-- written by Steve Moussette, sports information assistant
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Matt Motyka '22 (standing, top left) calls the play-by-play for the
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