Contact: Ashleigh Jones, Sports Information Graduate Assistant

February 15, 2018- Enduring, committed, passionate; just a few words that describe North Central College's women's swimming and diving senior freestyler Emily Manikas.

The Lockport, Illinois native and graduate of Lockport Township, has practically lived in water since the age of four, never looking back after following her older sister into the pool.

Though swim was a huge part to her childhood, Manikas also ran the mile in track from middle school and all throughout high school. "During high school I would alternate between club swimming and high school swimming and track," said Manikas.

However, as college came into the picture and she had to decide not only where to go, but also whether to continue in swim or track and field, passion took over.

"I had a lot of family that attended North Central College, and so that helped a great deal in the decision making," said Manikas, "I like everything about the campus from the feel to the location."

With her formative years submerged in swimming she followed her gut and realized the she couldn't give up swimming after her senior year of high school.
 
For the senior psychology major, attending North Central College and joining the swimming and diving team has felt right from the beginning. Despite a rocky start her freshman year Manikas thanks head coach Mark Schmitt for revitalizing her motivation and the team dynamic the last three years.

One memory during her junior year solidified just how important the swimming and diving team was for Manikas. Following the devastating news that her mother was diagnosed with cancer the North Central College men's and women's swimming and diving team rallied together to put on the "Leave it in the pool challenge". In that moment Manikas saw her commitment to the team would be reciprocated way beyond the poolside.

As Manikas' final meet arrives and keeping up with school work seems to grow harder, her commitment to succeed and pursue a career in nursing keeps her focused and driven.

"I think I want to do either hospice or oncology maybe, "said Manikas. "I learned through my mom's battle with cancer to be more resilient, and it showed me how valuable life is and to just take each day and don't take it for granted."

With the combination of endurance Manikas exudes and the support received by her teammates, there is no question that in the face of rivals this weekend at the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championships that she will swim her hardest.

"Besides graduating to look forward to this year, I want to earn some personal bests and to leave it all in the pool since this will be my last race," said Manikas.

The North Central College men's and women's swimming and diving team travel to Pleasant Prairie, Wis. on Thursday Feb. 15 in hopes to finish the season strong at the CCIW Championships.