It is no secret that Paul Kowalski is tagged “The Birdman”.
 
Standing at 6-foot-6, this Purple Eagle forward has the same playing style as the aggressive NBA player Chris Andersen, who the nickname originated from. It was during Kowalski’s sophomore season in 2009-10 when the coaches gave him this title. His aggressive style and undying resolve are attributes acknowledging the “The Birdman” nickname; something he has no problem living up to.

With the season underway, Kowalski has made an impact on and off the court.

“I go out and do my best every day,” Kowalski stated “Whatever the coach wants me to do, I’ll do it. I am a team player and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make the team successful.”

As the only senior on the Niagara team this season, Kowalski is expected to be a leader. With a team consisting of mostly freshmen and sophomores, the Purple Eagles needed a role model and Paul was the perfect man for the job.
 
“I feel that I have stepped into a leadership role; I try to show these guys how to act,” said the Buffalo native.  “With five freshmen on the team, I feel as a senior I need to show some leadership.  With such a young team it is my job to be a role model.”
 
Playing the role of a walk-on has forced Kowalski to work hard every day to prove to the coaches as well as to himself that he not only belongs on the team, but is a key component to its success. When asked what it means to be a Purple Eagle Kowalski replied, “It means everything to me.”
 
Kowalski, who played at St. Joseph’s, is known for his high energy on and off the court.  He is a full-time student, a Division-I basketball player and a student teacher. This busy athlete finds time to do it all, and he does it with a very high success rate; his 3.49 grade-point average leads the team.  Such qualities have allowed Kowalski to truly live up to his nickname. 
 
Paul Kowalski is “The Birdman”.
 
Written by: Jessica Sebring, Athletic Communications Student Assistant