TAMPA, Fla. — Nick Izquierdo of St. Thomas University and a redshirt senior from Hollywood, FLa., has been selected by league coaches as The Sun Conference’s Champion of Character for 2020 in the sport of baseball.
The NAIA has long supported its Champions of Character program and its membership annually recognizes individuals from each sport for their growth and commitment to the core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. The Sun Conference awards one athlete in each sport and the honoree is selected in a vote of that sport’s coaches following nominations from each school.
Izquierdo is a designated hitter and utility player for the No. 4-ranked Bobcats who were national runners-up at the 2019 NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. In 16 games played in the abbreviated 2020 season, Izquierdo hit .320 with a double and six RBI in 25 official at-bats. He made 19 starts in 36 appearances in 2019 and helped the Bobcats reach the World Series for the second consecutive year after earning recognition on the 2019 Sun Conference All-Tournament Team.
St. Thomas head coach Jorge Perez was effusive in his praise for his fifth-year senior.
“Nick will be a tremendous loss to our program next season,” said Perez. “He was a true leader on the field and a very positive example to everyone off the field.
“Nick was part of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) Super Bowl Leadership group where he did a three-month long leadership program,” continued Perez. “He was later recognized for his phenomenal work and earned two complimentary tickets to this year's Super Bowl. He took part in the Carol City Middle Report Card review mentorship programs as well as their Thanksgiving Harvest Drive. He is well deserving of this honor and is an outstanding Champion of Character for our conference.”
Being a part of the RISE group was especially meaningful to Izquierdo. He participated in the program which sought to bring social change in the Miami community. The RISE program focuses on education and empowering the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Izquierdo prides himself on being able to leave a legacy and use his platform as a student-athlete to create change at St. Thomas University.
"I've always felt it was my responsibility to use sports as a platform for change, not only in my university community but also in society," stated Izquierdo.
Izquierdo also made numerous appearances at local schools and charities and embraced the role of speaking publicly to the young students. He spoke at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program about the importance of small college athletics. As the St. Thomas Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Vice President, Izquierdo spoke at local high schools about the importance of having a SAAC Committee at their schools to help advise students on how to earn scholarships at small universities. Izquierdo also organized two separate kickball games to give back to breast cancer and diabetes charities.
Izquierdo is completing his M.B.A. in sports administration this spring and has been accepted to the Marquette University School of Law where he plans to pursue a sports law degree.
“I want to say how honored and grateful I am to receive The Sun Conference Champion of Character award,” said Izquierdo. “It is a tremendous privilege to be able to represent one of the most well-respected and competitive conferences in all of the NAIA.”