Maya Manahan ’25 named Summer 2025 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Education and Human Development

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Maya Manahan ’25 once had her sights set on scrubs and stethoscopes, but an injured knee led her down a different path — a path which has led to her being named the Summer 2025 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. 

Manahan, who graduates on Saturday, Aug. 9 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, once believed her future was in nursing, even going as far as declaring it her major when she came to the Island University in 2020. However, she soon switched majors after reflecting on the care she received after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament during a high school soccer tournament. 

“I appreciated the rehab I received from the athletic trainer at my high school,” Manahan said. “Working with the trainer to regain strength in my leg sparked an interest in a career path within kinesiology.” 

A native of Portland, Texas, Manahan knew all about the Island University before deciding to attend Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. She chose TAMU-CC not only for its proximity to home and the breathtaking commute along Ocean Drive, but also for what she describes as a calm, kind, and easy-going campus atmosphere. 

“My first day on campus, a fellow Islander asked me if I needed help finding my class,” Manahan said. “The campus really is one big community.” 

That sense of community spurred Manahan to make her Islander Impact by getting involved. A member of the TAMU-CC Honors Program, Manahan has been part of several campus organizations including the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Student Success Committee, and the McNair Scholars Program. She also served as a Student Government Association senator, representing the Mary and Jeff Bell Library. 

“These organizations made me feel like part of a group,” Manahan said. “I could be myself, I felt like an equal among my peers.” 

She also landed a summer internship at Therapy First Clinic, where she actively supported the clinic staff by assisting patients with their exercise program.  

“I contributed to patient care by guiding proper technique, offering encouragement, and performing exercises safely and effectively,” she said. “Through this hands-on experience, I developed clinical skills and deepened my understanding of patient care in a physical therapy setting.” 

As a first-generation student who began college during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Manahan faced the challenges of transitioning from fully online to hybrid and eventually in-person classes — but she embraced each phase as a learning opportunity and grew more confident with every step. She said that being part of Student Support Services (SSS)-STEM, a federally funded TRIO program that supports first-generation students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and health-related fields, helped her stay the course. 

She grew especially close to SSS-STEM Program Coordinator Julia Norrell ’15, ’25, who Manahan considers a mentor. 

“Julia has been there for me, guiding me and encouraging me throughout my time at TAMU-CC,” Manahan said. “I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her.” 

 Manahan also collaborated with Dr. Jean Sparks, Department of Health Sciences Chair and Professor, on a research project related to adolescents with type 2 diabetes, which was presented at university-wide symposium. 

“Through this partnership with Dr. Sparks, I was able to learn more about the science labs and equipment in Tidal Hall,” Manahan said. “I also learned how to perform intensive research and write articles and papers for my projects.” 

Manahan was equally involved off campus. She regularly donated her time to local beach clean-ups and volunteered at the Art Museum of South Texas, the Salvation Army, and the Coastal Bend Food Bank. She also served the community through her church, where she worked with children and sang in the choir. 

“I have always wanted to make a difference in my community,” Manahan said. “Through these opportunities, I connected with people on a personal level and hear their stories.” 

Now she looks to make a difference to those recovering from injury. A recipient of the Islander Impact Scholarship, the Honors Program Scholarship, and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Scholarship, Manahan plans to pursue a master’s degree in athletic training before becoming a board-certified trainer, with dreams of one day working in the National Football League or National Basketball Association. 

As she prepares to say goodbye to the Island University, Manahan looks back fondly on her time at TAMU-CC and the experiences which have forged lifelong memories. 

“I have not only grown as a student, but as a person,” Manahan said. “I have flourished and thrived as an Islander.”