Discover the story of Griffin Milovanski, a football player with a unique background in soccer. Follow his journey from high school to college in this prospect interview with Justin Berendzen on Draft Diamonds.
Name: Griffin Milovanski
Position: K
College: Wayne State University (Michigan)
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 190 lbs
X (Twitter): @gmilovanski
Instagram: @griffin.milovanski
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I learned how to walk by kicking a soccer ball and it became my primary sport. I was a captain for three years in high school for our varsity team. My father and his family are from Eastern Europe, which made soccer a natural choice for me. I started kicking during my junior year when my high school head coach and PE teacher, Coach Dunn, asked me to try out for the football team. I embraced the challenge, as I’ve always loved taking on new experiences. My stepdad, a huge football fan who passed away during my eighth grade year, had always wanted me to become a kicker knowing my soccer background. This opportunity felt like a way to honor his legacy.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
My favorite moments from my football journey have come from the entire experience of being a kicker. I love adrenaline and kicking definitely brings that in clutch situations. Transitioning into a new sport and striving to improve quickly was something I truly loved. I feel like I excel when I focus on a task and can shut out everything else to succeed. I’m not a good golfer by any means but there are a lot more golfers than kickers, so I often compare kicking to the mental challenge of golf. At the end of the day, it’s you against yourself, constantly working to perfect your craft.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
Without a doubt, my mother inspires me the most. In the passing of my stepdad, I witnessed at a young age my mother do all she could to focus on making sure I was cared for and supported. She has achieved a lot in her life without a lot of support and help from family. I have learned how to work for things and my work ethic is because of her. She is the backbone of my life. I know I don’t thank her enough for everything she’s done for me. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without her as my role model, support and guidance.
What are you looking forward to in the rest of your football career?
I’m looking forward to many more years of football. I have fallen in love with the game, the excitement, the intensity, the fans, the noise and the whole atmosphere. I am driven to continue making a name for myself in the kicking world. I know I have the dedication, determination, resiliency and drive to continue to learn and grow in professional football. I love the structure of the sport; fulfilling my commitments and obligations keeps me grounded and I think it is a formula for a successful life. My goal is to inspire young athletes along the way, to give back to the community and a professional career can further give me the avenue to do this.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?
I would like to hang out with several football players including Tyreek Hill, Jerry Rice, and Jared Goff. The most beneficial to me and my position would have to be Justin Tucker, guys a stud. I would love to pick his brain because he’s one of the best kickers to ever play his position.
What are your favorite things about playing football for Wayne State?
We’re located in one of the most underrated cities out there. I have a lot of love for the city of Detroit and the people here. I’ve made some of my closest friends and built lifelong friendships here at WSU from being a part of the team. I’m very thankful for their support as well as the fans. The Warriors have a lot to prove and we’ve had some good days and not so good days. What this has taught me is that loyalty is paramount. I would love to see us excel as a team but we also have to individually grow, develop, and fight the demons of being good enough. Having the mental strength to overcome is what gets you to the next chapter.
What should we know about Griffin Milovanski the person?
You should know that I have an optimistic outlook and never back down from a challenge that helps me grow stronger. I’m outgoing and enjoy spending time with friends, making the most of every moment and this includes making the most of time to workout and practice. I genuinely care about seeing others succeed and strive to make a positive impact during my life. I’m a true believer in manifestation, what you envision for yourself and the positivity you put out in the universe will come back to you. A quote I live by is by Napoleon Hill, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” If times are tough this will remind me who I am and who I want to continue to be.
What is your typical training routine and why?
I’m an early bird. I enjoy and feel fulfilled waking up before everyone else and starting my day. During the off season, I make sure I prioritize my schedule around training and kicking individually. In the gym I work on a lot of explosive exercises and bettering my fast twitch muscles to help with kicking. Stretching is a huge part of the game and my longevity along with taking care of my body, eating healthy, enjoying things in moderation, spending down time with friends and family. I believe that mentally and physically there has to be time to repair and destress in order to rebuild stronger. When I’m practicing I imagine a variety of scenarios on the field so that I mentally rehearse it so I’ll be ready. Envisioning success and mental rehearsal is a huge part of the kicking game for me.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
My head coach, Tyrone Wheatley once said if you wake up, everything else in life is manageable. I try my best to face challenges head on. There will always be something going on but If you learn to prioritize certain things it’ll make life a whole lot easier. In kicking as well as in life it’s okay to have short term memory. You miss a kick or a challenge arrives in life, manage it, correct it, and move on to the next kick/task.
What would a team get in a player like you?
I’m determined to be 1% better than the day before. Someone who doesn’t get outworked easily and who knows his role. Someone who the team can trust when things are on the line. A laid back person who just wants the best for the people around me. All the things I’ve mentioned before and they aren’t just words. If you ask anyone who knows me I am loyal, dedicated, a team player, a leader when or if necessary. I compete against myself but I grow for the team. I take direction and listen to those more accomplished and knowledgeable. I love my life, I love what I am doing. I don’t want to jeopardize any confidence put in me, the privilege and ability to contribute to be a part of an amazing sport with hard working amazing people.
What stands out about your film the most?
What stands out most about my film is my accuracy and explosive leg. I take pride in my ball height, power, and distance. I trust myself in any situation on the field. I think I have a special ability to block out everything around me and concentrate on the challenge at hand. I have shown that I can be extremely consistent as well as accurate. The GLIAC can be incredibly windy, especially at Wayne State’s Stadium, but I’ve learned to embrace the conditions and use them to my advantage. When kicked correctly, a kicker’s ball shouldn’t move much until it starts to decelerate, knowing your own ball and adjusting to conditions is a huge part of the game. I feel confident under pressure in any circumstance that might present itself.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
I would have to go with D’Marco Singleton who’s a RB at WSU. He’s an incredible athlete and very explosive. Over the past year, he’s turned into a great individual, and I’ve seen him grow tremendously. I can see him continuing to develop into a great player.
Hula Bowl Contributor and Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen
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