Alumna/us Athlete of the Month - Rapolas Ivanauskas ’16

As the winter comes to a close, the college season heats up with college basketball fans’ utopia, “March Madness.” Brewster boasts nearly 30 alums who are currently playing Division I NCAA basketball, all with dreams of being part of the excitement that comes in March. One player who has already been a part of it and hopes to do so again is former Bobcat standout Rapolas “Rap” Ivanauskas. Ivanauskas arrived at Brewster in the fall of 2015 for his senior year. A native of Barrington, Illinois, he was a highly touted recruit at the time, ranked a top five player in Illinois and amongst the top 100 in the country. Ivanauskas helped Brewster to a Lakes Region League title in the winter of 2016, was named a league All-Star, and  earned All-NEPSAC accolades. Longtime Prep Basketball coach, Jason Smith, is glad for Ivanauskas and his recent successes.

“I am very proud of the career Rap has had at Colgate,” notes Smith. “It’s impressive as he had to overcome a lot of adversity dealing with injuries in the early stages of college.”

Due to his play on the floor and performance in the classroom, Ivanauskas was highly recruited by several elite academic and athletic institutions, and ultimately chose to attend Northwestern University to further his academic and athletic careers. After two injury-riddled seasons at Northwestern, he decided to transfer to Colgate University for a fresh start and a new look. The decision was a wise one to say the least: Ivanauskas exploded on the scene at Colgate and led the Raiders to the Patriot League title which gave them a berth in the NCAA Division I Tournament.  Additionally, Ivanauskas was named the Patriot League Player of the Year, earned Honorable All-American status, and received the Rusty Wallace Award, which is given to the best transfer player in Division I basketball.

Currently, Ivanauskas is in his senior season and is continuing to impress averaging just over 15 points/game while Colgate is 22-8 and primed for another run into the postseason. Despite being incredibly busy, Ivanauskas took some time to touch base with Bobcat Nation and reflect on his time at Brewster and plans after Colgate.

Bobcat Nation: How did Brewster Academy prepare you for college?

Ivanauskas:  Brewster was invaluable in preparing me for my transition to college. Living on campus in Wolfeboro was my first taste of being independent, which is what college is all about. While at Brewster, I learned to take care of myself properly, which meant eating right, being organized, getting the right amount of sleep, and working on my craft around the clock. Once I got to college these were difficulties for many of the freshmen, but non-existent to me: Brewster prepared me well!

Bobcat Nation: What are your best memories of being a student-athlete at Brewster?

Ivanauskas: My best memories were playing for Coach Smith and Coach Lee. The two of them taught me how to be more competitive and how to really work at basketball. I owe them both a lot for giving me that opportunity.

Bobcat Nation: Who were the teachers or coaches that had the greatest impact on you at Brewster?

Ivanauskas:  Along with coaches Smith and Lee, I would have to say Mrs. Elizabeth Smith. She was always very kind and nice to me and it was great to talk to her about things that were going on in my life outside of basketball and Brewster.

Bobcat Nation:  What has been your greatest accomplishment since leaving Brewster?

Ivanauskas: My greatest accomplishment has been the season we put together as a team at Colgate last year. Winning the Patriot League and advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 26 years at Colgate was a blast. And I was named the league’s Player of the Year, the Transfer of the Year, and an All-American!

Bobcat Nation:  What was your greatest moment while playing in college?

Ivanauskas:  Winning the Patriot League championship game against Bucknell last year was awesome! The year before, Colgate had lost to them on their court and to beat them was just thrilling! To win that game and to come back after a series of injuries in my college career—and to see my parents watching in the stands—was very emotional because I had come a long way.

Bobcat Nation: What are you looking forward to the rest of this season?

Ivanauskas: I am really looking forward to competing in the league tournament again. My goal is to make the NCAA Tournament too. Last year we qualified but I could not play due to an injury. I’m hoping we can get back there and compete on that stage again.

Bobcat Nation:  Any advice to current Brewster students?

Ivanauskas: My best advice is to make as many meaningful relationships as you can. Be vulnerable, be uncomfortable…we grow through those experiences. The high school years in your life are where you grow the most. Also, I met two of my best friends at Brewster and I don’t know where I would be without them today. If you put the time into those relationships, trust me, they will be the ones you always have.

Bobcat Nation: What is your major and what are your plans after college?

Ivanauskas: I am a history major and minoring in French. God willing, I would like to play professionally, either in the NBA or in Europe. 

Photo Credits: Colgate Athletics