From Injury to Resilience: How a Kean Alum is Powering Pro Athletes Back to Peak Performance

When a season-ending injury sidelined him in high school, Ralph T. Maravilla ’17 didn’t just focus on getting back in the game, he discovered a new calling.  

At Kean University, that personal setback sparked a passion for helping others heal and return stronger than before. Today, Maravilla lives in Los Angeles, where he works as a licensed physical therapist for professional athletes and others and serves as an adjunct professor at West Coast University. 

“Those early days post-grad were all about observing, listening and showing up,” Maravilla said. “It’s seeing someone go from walking in on crutches to getting back on the court and dunking again. Watching an athlete recover and return to peak performance never gets old.” 

Maravilla, who received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Kean, credits the University's faculty and community for building a foundation grounded in science, empathy and connection.  

“Kean taught me that relationships matter,” he said. “My professors weren’t just knowledgeable, they were invested. Now I try to bring that same energy toward my students.” 

Maravilla points to Norma Bowe, Ph.D., RN, and Amy Sprinkle, Ph.D., as important early influences. “Dr. Sprinkle made ecology unexpectedly fun and engaging. And Dr. Bowe’s Death in Perspective course changed the way I think about people and empathy. Both taught me to be a better communicator and a more grounded human being.” 

In his clinical work, Maravilla views each recovery as a collaborative process. “You’re one piece of a larger puzzle; coaches, agents, family, everyone plays a part. Communication and humility are critical,” he said. 

Maravilla has remained deeply connected to his alma mater and supports the Dean’s Fund at Kean’s College of Health Professions and Human Services.  

“Generous alumni helped give me opportunities at Kean,” he said. “Giving back is my way of saying thank you and helping our next generation of Cougars on their own path.” 

For students dreaming of careers in sports rehabilitation, Maravilla offers grounded advice: “Control what you can; your attitude, your effort and how you treat people. When you bring your best self, the right people and opportunities will come your way at the right time.”