UIS has established a Manny Velasco Scholarship. If you would like to give to that fund, click here, and choose UIS Manny Velasco Athletic Scholarship Fund under the Athletics Scholar Funds section.


Full comments from Coach Velasco

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - University of Illinois Springfield men's and women's tennis coach Manny Velasco announced that he will be retiring from coaching, effective on June 15, 2014. Velasco, called "Bolivia's gift to Springfield" has been a member of the Prairie Star staff for 30 years.

"Life has given me the opportunity to plant seeds of techniques, strategies, good sportsmanship, and most of all, unconditional love [in my players]," said Velasco. "Unconditional love is something that needs to be cultivated in those of us that serve the public - that care, train and coach other people's children. All of my efforts in life have not been to cash in on getting awards, recognition or status. For me, it was the genuine pleasure to see young people succeed. That is my greatest reward."

Velasco was hired to coach the men's tennis program in 1984 and just completed coaching both the men's and women's squads for the ninth straight season. He was a five-time Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year and brought home numerous NAIA Regional Titles as well 14 appearances in the NAIA National Tournament. In 1992, Manny was voted the NAIA Coach of the Year. The star of UIS tennis has amassed more than 400 wins throughout his career and has seen more than 200 student-athletes compete in his sport.

As a player, Velasco won six Bolivian National Junior Tennis Champion titles and competed at the U.S. Open at Forest Hills. He was ranked as the top player in Bolivia before coming to the U.S. in 1958 to attend Eastern Illinois University.  Velasco's teaching and coaching abilities were recognized in 1972 as he was named the coach of the Brazilian National Team. He has also coached at Jacksonville High School, MacMurray University, Illinois College, the Springfield Racquet Club and at Springfield College in Illinois. 

Well known throughout Springfield for his generosity and support for the sport of tennis, Manny has been an integral part of the success of  Prairie Star Athletics and the development of UIS student-athletes. Manny has rightfully became known as the "dean" of the UIS coaching staff. The Washington Park tennis area, home of the UIS tennis programs, is named in honor of Velasco and wife, Maria.

"I want to thank Coach Velasco for his many contributions not only to the athletic department, but to the University & the Springfield community," said Director of Athletics Kim Pate. "Manny is a very special individual who has had a profound impact on every person he encounters and has touched the lives of so many including countless student-athletes, coaches and youth throughout the community.  He will surely be missed, but his legacy lives on in the student-athletes who he has impacted throughout the years. We wish him and his wife Maria the very best and hope they will always feel a part of our Prairie Star family."

In his honor, UIS Athletics is establishing the Manny Velasco Endowed Athletic Scholarship. Although the department has had tremendous response, there is still around $10,000 more to raise by June 30, 2014 for the scholarship to qualify it for the Access Illinois Presidential Scholarship 1:1 match (dollar for dollar). Please consider helping UIS Athletics carry on Coach Velasco's legacy by contributing to his scholarship.

To give visit: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/45215/donations/new. UIS Athletics plans to formally recognize and celebrate Coach Velasco with a reception in his honor with a date and details forthcoming.