Where Are They Now: Mike Armstrong

MACON, Ga. - We all know about the great accomplishments that Mercer student-athletes have achieved during their time as a Bear, but what are they up to after they graduate? Today, we take a look inside the life of former Mercer baseball player Mike Armstrong.

Armstrong was a member of the Bears from 2005-08. During his sophomore season, Armstrong was an All-Atlantic Sun selection. He finished second on the team in batting average (.368) and home runs (9) in 2006.

Over his four year career, Armstrong compiled a .330 batting average with 20 home runs and 107 runs driven in. Armstrong sits in fourth (497) and seventh (453) in the Mercer record book for most putouts in a single season.

Why did you choose Mercer?
I chose Mercer for the opportunity to combine my pursuit of an engineering degree and the ability to continue to play baseball at the Division 1 level. Mercer has a small school feel with a big school charm.

What is your fondest athletic memory at Mercer?
Off the field: Chosen by my teammates for the Doyle E Watson Leadership award
On the field: There's nothing better than showing up at the established schools and beating the top-rated programs in the country; Miami, Clemson, & Florida, etc. It makes the long bus rides home a little less miserable.

Who had the biggest influence on you during your athletic career at Mercer and how?
Ast. Coach Tim Boeth. Throughout my high school career and into freshman year, the goal was always to improve physical abilities. Coach Boeth introduced me to the importance of the mental side of the game. This not only elevated my ability to contribute on the field but I've utilized these lessons of preparation and visualization beyond baseball.

What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Mercer?
My time at Mercer was one of the greatest periods of personal growth for me. Mercer has so many programs and opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from others and lean into relationships. I was given the opportunity to cultivate a foundation of character that has guided my post-collegiate career as well as my contribution to society and family.

What advice would you give to current members of the team you played for?
Take chances. Grow. Don't take yourself too seriously.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Ha Vo (BME). Dr. Vo's story is inspiring. He is wise, patient, and compassionate. I encourage everyone to read up on his Mercer On Mission project. His background as an MD and Ph.D. with a specialty in Biomechanics influenced me to pursue the technical aspects of implant function and design.

Where do you live now?
San Jose, Calif.

What is your occupation?
Manager of Clinical Training at THINK Surgical. It's a Silicon Valley company that designs and manufactures the only active robot for Total Joint Arthroplasty. I manage a team charged with global commercialization and utilization of our new Total Knee Arthroplasty application for the TSolution One Robotic System.

What have you done since graduating? (Life, Career, etc.)
Immediately after graduating, I worked a summer as a ranch hand and then a winter as a professional ski bum in the mountains of Colorado before pursuing a Master of Science Engineering & Technology Management at Colorado School of Mines where I met my wife. I started my career in orthopedic device and implant sales working in Macon, Colorado, Houston, Texas and Southern California before moving to Silicon Valley to work in the startup arena.

Where do you see yourself in the future with your career?
Automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics have only scratched the surface within orthopedic innovation. I plan to pursue my passion for contributing to clinical improvements by bridging clinical application to product enhancement. I intend to continue to grow and improve as a leader and manager of clinical teams in the field that are dedicated to clinical teaching, support and utilization of these technologies to our customers.

What are your goals and aspirations for the coming years?
My wife and I are expecting our first child. My greatest aspiration is to provide for my family and continue the legacy of high character that my parents instilled in me.

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