How being a Bison shaped the Class of 2026 | Tyson Nachtigall, men's volleyball.
Hearing the roars from the crowd after a successful 3-0 win against Windsor is a moment that will have a lasting impact on Tyson Nachtigall’s journey. As a member of of the Bison men's volleyball team, Nachtigall was part of a team that advanced to the national championships and won Manitoba’s first medal there in 14 years.
While the outcome is one to remember, Nachtigall will take more than just winning as a lesson into life. Being a Bison taught Nachtigall it takes hard work and discipline to succeed. The memories and lessons that he learned throughout his journey are ones that will shape who he becomes for the rest of his life.
“Some days are harder than others, but there is no room to be stagnant for long in life if you want to keep growing and learning,” he says.
The men’s volleyball team had a phrase they used to guide their year: Talent sets the floor, character sets the ceiling. For the team, it meant not relying on talent or skill alone, but focusing on hard work, commitment and discipline.
“That set a bar for myself, not just on the court but also in the classroom,” he says. “Talent might get you somewhere, but it’s your character that ultimately determines how you’ll do there.”
Bisons gave Nachtigall the chance to grow as an individual. From the team room to classes, the men’s volleyball team gave him the ability to thrive in a community that fosters success. He says it was impactful to have a group of people who you can “bounce ideas off one another, get advice about courses and talk about life.”
The support from the trainers, athletic therapists, nutritionists, psychologists and coaches are all pieces of a puzzle in making creating student-athlete success, says Nachtigall.
“Being a Bison is something that I will never take for granted. It gave me a chance to mature as a person and hopefully inspire others looking to pursue a similar journey,” says Nachtigall.
Nachtigall is graduating from the I.H. Asper School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours, double majoring in Supply Chain Management and Entrepreneurship.
UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. Many graduates recognized at Convocation will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s economic impact on our community.
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