 During this time he earned the school's Male Athlete of the Year honor, awarded annually to one student-athlete who best exemplifies the Saint Anselm spirit in leadership, scholarship and athletic achievements.Nylen played four seasons for the Hawks, serving as team captain in 2002.Upon graduating, Nylen began his professional career, spending three seasons with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Second Division, before joining the Charleston Battery of the USL First Division for three seasons.