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As One Door Closes, Another Opens; Nate Fischer Looks Back at Lacrosse Career and Details Next Chapter as PT Student
Erie, Pennsylvania native and recent North Greenville University graduate, Nate Fischer, went a long way to continue his college lacrosse career, but now, the Greenville, South Carolina area feels as much like home as Erie.
Fischer is set to spend over two more years in South Carolina as the once Health Science student is getting ready to embark on a journey that will see him eventually become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Looking back to his commitment, it was his Christian background that helped to lead him to North Greenville University, a Division II program that competes in Conference Carolinas.
“NGU was the perfect fit for me. I wanted to come down south and go to a small, Christian school and that’s exactly what I got. My favorite part of the school was my teammates and the NGU community.”
“I absolutely love the guys I have gotten to play with over the past 4 years. They have made the whole experience worth it. I’m so thankful for the older guys that mentored me in my first couple years, especially in setting a Christian example for me that has had a huge impact on me.”
The Navigator Lacrosse Club alumni went on to play in 28 career games on defense and helped lead the team to 29 wins over four seasons.
Prior to his college days, he played for the Cathedral Prep Ramblers, one of the top athletic traditions in a collection of sports in the entire state. He said this about his time representing Prep.
“Four years later it still means a lot to me to be a Prep Rambler,” said Fischer. One of the biggest things you learn early on at Prep is the great school pride we have. I think it seems from people in Erie either supporting Prep or absolutely hating us, so we have this us against the world mentality. You figure that out pretty early, so it really rallies everyone together.”
“I think that’s a big reason why I love NGU because the brotherhood on our lacrosse team is very similar to the Cathedral Prep brotherhood I experienced and cherish. My teammates at NGU can attest that if you’re around me long enough you’ll hear a “Roll Ramblers”
In his time at Prep, he was named a District 10 First-Team defender and was named to the Second- Team All-Decade team from 2010-2020 for District 10 on defense. Fischer was also named a team-captain for the Ramblers and was a part of a historic comeback against McDowell in which the team rallied from as many as six goals down to win the game over the rival Trojans squad.
While this is a sweet memory from his career, more favorite recent memories include filling in as a short-stick midfielder for a game in 2021 because of injuries and illness and helping the program pick up its first win over a ranked opponent in program history over Catawba. His other favorite memory was a comeback win against Embry-Riddle in overtime with family in attendance earlier this year.
With his career recently ending and time at North Greenville also coming to a close, Fischer is heading to Anderson University where he will be a 2024 graduate of their Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.
Interestingly, his journey will then come full circle as a health care worker. While everything appears normal, his life started all but normal as he was born with a coarctation of the aorta, or narrowing of blood vessels to the heart.
“I have been blessed that I’ve been able to play lacrosse all the way through college. Looking back its amazing that I got to play college lacrosse while having a heart condition. It was truly a gift.”
Best of luck as you get ready for PT school, Nate! Thank you for the opportunity to share your success on the field and your journey of beating the odds to become a college athlete 🥍
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