Mike Manno joined the Nazareth community as the Athletic Director this year with an impressive background in athletics and sports management. He himself was a three sport athlete all four years at his high school alma mater St. Viator where for many years he served as a coach. He went on to play soccer and baseball at St. Norbert College, where he started all four years in both sports. 

As a coach, Manno has extensive experience. He coached baseball for 25 years and soccer and basketball for 13 at St. Viator. His coaching accolades include state championships in both baseball and soccer.

After so many years at St. Viator, it was a big decision for Manno to leave, but one that he is excited about since he always admired Nazareth. “I always considered Nazareth as another school that I respected from afar and how all the student athletes and coaches ran their programs,” said Manno. “I am excited to join an institution where success is the norm and they are still striving for that excellence every year.” 

Becoming an Athletic Director has always been a goal for Manno. “Since I was a senior in college when I did my internship with the Athletic Director, it has always been a goal of mine to run an athletic department,” he said. 

Being Athletic Director at Nazareth is especially appealing to Manno who is extremely excited to collaborate with all of the coaches so students can have the best experience possible. “I want to work with coaches that have the same morals and values to allow our athletes to gain success on and off the fields,” said Manno. 

Regarding his plans for Nazareth Athletics, Manno admits that the program is in a great place right now. However, he does say that he plans to build upon that success.

Nazareth is certainly lucky to have a new Athletic Director in Manno and hopefully Nazareth’s athletics can soar to even greater heights with his guidance.