Mikhail Mikhailov: Student-Athlete Excelling in both Business and Basketball at The University of Winnipeg

Mon. Mar. 4, 2024

Mikhail Mikhailov is having another stellar season as the starting centre for the UWinnipeg Wesmen men’s basketball team. Last year, the team reached the “Final 8” of the National Championship ranking 7th after a 30-year hiatus. This year, the team placed 2nd in The Canada West playoffs and have made it again to Nationals! Mikhail has been a model of consistency, averaging 15 points and 9 rebounds per game over the past two years.

His love for the sport traces back to his father, who was a professional basketball player in Spain. Mikhail was born in Madrid, started playing locally in

2008 and moved to Wichita, Kansus to complete his high school studies. He is now in his third year with the Wesmen. That’s an impressive 16 years in total on the basketball court.

Meanwhile, Mikhail is also having another stellar year academically. He is majoring in Business and Administration and his dedication to his studies does not go unnoticed by his professors. "Mikhail is a very conscientious student who takes the time to really understand a subject,” observes Dr. David Duval. “On top of that, he’s down-to-earth, personable, and, from what he tells me, a top-notch basketball player!" His pursuit of a Business degree is partly driven by his brother-in-law's role as a CEO, with thoughts of potentially starting his own e-commerce company in his post-basketball career.

As a student-athlete, Mikhail faces the challenge of balancing academic commitments with athletic responsibilities, and he is grateful for the occasions on which his instructors have accommodated his playing schedule. Head Coach Mike Raimbault says: "Mikhail is a very bright young man who is extremely committed to excelling both academically and athletically. He does a good job of managing his time and works extremely hard to do his absolute best in the classroom. With the challenges of travel, competition, and daily training, he continues to put his academics at the forefront and takes a lot of pride in his work in the classroom."

There is also a degree to which the academic and athletic pursuits are complementary. Mikhail is a true role model student-athlete as he holds an impressive GPA and is a leader on the court. His approach to balancing both commitments involves constant organization, planning ahead for tests, and completing assignments promptly. His advice to fellow student-athletes emphasizes mental preparation, perseverance, and the valuable lessons learned in navigating tough situations.

As he approaches graduation, he envisions a future that includes playing basketball professionally, possibly in Spain. His time at UWinnipeg has shaped not only his athletic career but also his maturity and sense of responsibility. Grateful for the caring professors and the warm Canadian culture, Mikhail believes his experiences have prepared him for the challenges that lie ahead and is ready to face whatever the future holds.