Novotny played college soccer at Eastern Illinois University from 2014-2017. His freshman year he appeared in 15 matches, making 14 starts and 61 saves. During his sophomore season he made 15 starts and had 75 saves and one shutout. He ended the year ranked 2nd in the OVC for total saves and saves per game. He also moved to eighth on the EIU career saves list with 136 in his first two seasons.

During his senior season he started and played in 18 matches and made 91 saves with a national game-high 16 saves against Western Michigan. Novotny now ranks first in career minutes played and games played in goal with 5,954 minutes and 65 career games in the net. His 286 career saves ranks third on the all-time list. He is currently a member of the Hartford Athletic who compete in the USL Championship.