Name: Mike Palmer
Hometown: Orlando
Graduation: January 1999
Sport: Football
Position: Linebacker
Jersey number: 41
Degree: Bachelor of Science in liberal studies
Profession: CEO of Nona Scientific Laboratory
Spouse: Jennifer Hughey Palmer
Children: Haylee & Zack
Why did you choose UCF?
I chose UCF because they did a great job selling me on being part of something up and coming. The thought of helping build something and making a difference excited me more than just going to a 100 year old program and just being another player rolling through the system. I also loved the feel I got when I visited the campus.
What would you tell other alumni about the value of donating?
I would tell them even a little donation goes a long way in helping the university. When you have an enrollment of nearly 70,000 students you are graduating many Knights into the real world every year. We should all be thankful for the educational opportunities UCF provides us to chase our dreams. We all need to give back to help the school continue to offer such a great product to the next generation.
What makes you proud to be a Knight?
For me, the blood, sweat, tears, and broken bones, as an athlete, as well as the commitment and discipline I had to have in order to be successful in the classroom, makes me so proud to be a Knight. Just like anything in life, the struggle makes you better and the reward of success is priceless. I am forever thankful to UCF for helping guide me through the journey.
Who played a large role in your success at UCF and why?
I would have to say Gene McDowell. As a redshirt freshman I suffered a compound fracture that was pretty devastating. I had a cast around my ankle and up to my waste and was forced to go home because I couldn't get to class, etc. I'll never forget the phone call I received while at home in Cocoa Beach. My mom walked into the room and I was laying on the couch with my leg up in the air because of the swelling. She told me Coach McDowell was on the phone and wanted to talk to me. I just figured he was calling to tell me good luck with the long recovery and with the rest of my college career, but I was way off. The reason for his call was to tell me that I need to focus on recovering and do everything I'm suppose to. He also wanted me to know that my scholarship would be waiting for me once I made my full recovery and I was ready to play again. Lastly, he wanted me to get back to campus because he had a student trainer that was going to drive me around and get me to my classes and workouts. This was the call I needed. I went from full blown depression to full speed ahead. I will always be grateful for Coach McDowell always believing in me and never doubting or giving up on helping me carry out my dreams.
How did being a student-athlete shape you into the person you are today?
Being a UCF student-athlete taught me discipline, work ethic, respect for others, and a real appreciation for success on and off the field. Being the defensive captain taught me how to keep people together during the heat of the battle. Being thrown into a leadership roll at a young age really helped me as I grew into management rolls and eventually an entrepreneur later in life. Today, as a CEO, I use a lot of the skills I learned as an student-athlete to manage my company.
What's your favorite memory as a fan at a UCF game?
I would have to say the Fiesta Bowl beat down of Baylor. All the commentators and talking heads were mocking UCF and joking about Baylor scoring 100 points yada yada yada. Like always, we were getting no respect and we had a great team. When we came out and stepped on the gas for four quarters and made sure they were out of the game by halftime, I was happier then I think I've ever been in my entire life. UCF was due to make a big statement and we did. I think that was a big turning point in regards to not disrespecting what UCF is capable of.
What would be your advice to current UCF student-athletes?
Enjoy every minute of it. There will never be another time that you are as close to a group of brothers like what a football team creates. It's such a family. You take 130 players from all different walks of life, different cultures, different races, etc., and you all get to know and respect each other and become family. I would do anything to be back in the locker room with all my brothers and be able to hug everyone of them. Some of us have stayed very close and others are not involved and have lost touch. Everyone is busy with life and families and we all have to grow up. Enjoy every minute of your time on the UCF campus. You only have four to five years to take it all in and then you go out into the real world to fend for yourself and get a job. It's a difficult transition. Have a blast!
Favorite teammate and why?
This is a tough one because we were all super tight. I would have to say Deon Porter. He had my back always. As you know there's a lot of trash talking and pushing and shoving. Deon would never let anyone shove or trash talk me, I couldn't defend myself because he would jump in front of me and I was worried he was gonna get thrown out of the game defending me. I gotta give Deaubrey Devine some love as well because he was my travel roommate and we always picked each other up on the field when things got tough. Ok, last one, I gotta say Emory Green. He was a little older and I looked up to him for his knowledge of the game and the play book. He took me under his wing and taught me a lot. I could name a dozen more, but I'll stop.
What is the most important lesson you have learned in life?
Don't get comfortable. Always push yourself to break down walls and advance. Take risk early and then as you get older reduce your appetite for risk.
Do you have any funny stories from when you were at UCF?
Yes, too many to write about here, and if I did, it wouldn't be approved by the editor! ??
What are three fun facts about you?
1. I still think I could line up at linebacker for a couple plays, seriously.
2. A documentary I worked on was recently nominated for an EMMY.
3. I enjoy spending the weekends on my boat, appropriately named, "ChargeOn"
Go Knights! - Charge On!