Kate Manzione

Fields and Formations

Stepping on the newly cut grass of the soccer field brings back all the joy and excitement that Cadet Kate Manzione felt as kid. Growing up in Newbury Park, California, Manzione started playing soccer when she was 4-years old and did not stop there. In high school she was recruited to pursue her passion for soccer at The Citadel. When evaluating her choices, discipline, strong academics and a competitive sports program weighed heaviest, making The Citadel a perfect fit. 

On matriculation day, Manzione was faced with new roles. She learned to balance being a freshman cadet with soccer. During their first year, freshmen, known as “knobs,” must acclimate to the college and to strict schedules. On the soccer field, center back is a position that Manzione had never played and felt unready for, but she rose to the challenge and pushed through the adversity of the two challenging roles.  

Holding a leadership role early on forced Manzione to develop her personal leadership style. Three years later as a junior, she leads on the field and in the Corps of Cadets serving as a squad sergeant for Foxtrot Company.  

Leading in multiple roles has helped Manzione bring lessons from one to the other. As a cadet-athlete, the experiences of the team are unique from those of other colleges. Camaraderie, Manzione says, is built from knob year and continues on and off the field. Understanding what each person has gone through allows the team to bond together.  

“When we’re lined up with our teammates, and they’re calling off the names of the roster, it puts everything into perspective because those are the people I’m playing for.” 

Having the support of the team allows Manzione to explore her capabilities. “I’m always uncomfortable in a new leadership role or having to solve a problem, or having to lead others, and that is something that I couldn’t learn at another school, and that is something that I was very excited to have at The Citadel because I am growing every day.” 

That growth is a source of motivation and confidence for Manzione. As she works toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Manzione  has found a way to take her passion for her team off the field in a way that she can support and help others in their most trying times. 

“I think that the leadership I have learned at The Citadel has made me really confident in  nursing, in the Corps and on the field.”