Nico Manzanera believes strongly in building one’s future through determination, grit, and connecting with others.
The ýƵ junior business and entrepreneurship major from Bogotá, Colombia, is doing so via his work in the classroom and on the basketball court. That approach earned the 6-0, 205-pound Vikings guard Academic All-Midwest Conference honors in both 2023 and 2024.
When Manzanera didn’t see the athletic offers that he hoped for after graduating from high school, he opted for a post-grad year at a prep school in Florida. He spent this time training, growing his academic interests, and pursuing college opportunities—emailing coaches and doing research about different fields of study.
A year later, Manzanera knew ýƵ was the right fit soon after being recruited to play basketball.
“I connected with the people here a lot, especially the guys on the team,” he said. “Also, when I talked to a faculty member (Gary Vaughan), I felt like this would be the best place for me to find my future after college and basketball are done.”
Manzanera said he has loved the basketball experience at ýƵ—on and off the court—including the team bus rides, dinners, and impromptu karaoke nights.
He also has been an active participant in his academics. He was chosen to represent students as a speaker at the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the opening of the new Business and Entrepreneurship Center in Fox Commons. He told those gathered that he appreciates the value of a liberal arts education in turning students into “lifelong learners.”
“The B&E Center will provide a space for us, the students, to connect our classroom and college experiences to the real-life experiences of working with a business, of living in an apartment, and of collaborating closely with companies like the ones that will share this space with us,” he said.
His basketball coach, Casey Korn, has admired Manzanera’s ability to connect with others and create a positive difference in every environment he is in.
“Nico is one of a kind,” Korn said. “He came to ýƵ as a first-year and moved in with the international students. By the time the other first-years moved to campus I think he knew every athlete and international student on campus. And he hasn't stopped meeting people since. He is a connector of people, cares for others, and wants to see everyone succeed.”
Combine the benefits of a liberal arts education with those of a business major as we prepare future leaders for work in for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
Manzanera hopes to pursue a career in consulting or sales and is pursuing internships. The B&E Center will allow him opportunities to explore his many interests and collaborate with business professionals.
Balancing academics and athletics is not always easy, but Manzanera has learned a lot from trial and error and has leaned on the advice of coaches and academic advisors. His calendar is often organized down to the minute. That said, he also focuses time and energy on staying present in the moment as much as possible.
“It is very easy to worry about all my assignments due in the next two weeks,” he said. “But staying present on the current week, the current day, or even the current task has helped me stay calm and not overwhelm myself.”
Manzanera said he continues to find enjoyment and motivation in the journey.
“At the end of the day, we indeed have time for everything we want to do; we just have to learn how to organize and prioritize,” he said.
