Kennesaw State University volleyball player Manu Johnsen has distinguished herself both athletically and academically during her time at the university. Known for her energetic presence, Johnsen is recognized by teammates and coaches alike for her enthusiasm. “That just sums her up,” said Keith Schunzel, KSU volleyball coach. “She’s just full of life and full of energy.”
Johnsen, a senior, will conclude her volleyball career this fall as one of the most accomplished players in program history. She is a four-time all-conference selection and has also been recognized for academic achievement within the conference. In addition to her collegiate success, she has represented Denmark in both beach and indoor volleyball.
Academically, Johnsen maintains a 3.9 grade-point average as a biology major with a minor in data science and analytics. Her schedule requires regular travel between the Marietta and Kennesaw campuses. She has repeatedly earned spots on the President’s List and Dean’s List, and she is retaking two classes this semester to improve earlier grades while managing an 18-credit courseload ahead of graduation in December.
“I want people to know that I’m more than an athlete,” Johnsen said. “I compete hard in volleyball, and I work hard in the classroom.”
Johnsen’s path to KSU included overcoming academic challenges after being diagnosed with dyslexia while still in Denmark. Coaches Dan and Coley Pawlikowski recommended her to Schunzel after working with her at their club in Denmark. “I’ve known Dan and Coley for years from the Chicago area, and they got in touch with me about Manu when they coached in Denmark,” Schunzel said. “They told me they had this really good athlete who might be interested in coming to the States. We talked with Manu on FaceTime and, honestly, she was one of the easiest recruits we’ve worked with in getting a commitment to come play for the Owls. We knew there would be some challenges but we had no worries that she’d fit in well.”
Johnsen made an immediate impact on the court, earning freshman of the year honors from ASUN Conference in 2022 as well as first-team all-conference recognition from both ASUN and Conference USA later on.
Her interest in bioinformatics led her to choose biology as a major alongside data science coursework—a combination that brought her into contact with Michael Frankel, principal lecturer of statistics at KSU. Frankel praised Johnsen’s preparation and engagement: “I wish I had more students like her. It’s that simple,” Frankel said. “She comes prepared to class, she’s always asking the pertinent questions, she always wants to go above and beyond. I can’t say enough good things about her.”
Johnsen credits supportive professors from both the College of Computer Science and Software Engineering as well as College of Science and Mathematics for accommodating her needs due to travel schedules or learning differences such as dyslexia.
“People need to know how supportive our whole athletics department is, and how supportive my professors have been,” she said. “I’ve had great teammates, too; they’ve become like family for me. I’m glad I came to Kennesaw State because I would not have had these experiences anywhere else.”
After graduating this December, Johnsen plans further study toward a master’s degree in data science while playing professional indoor volleyball overseas; participation at the 2028 Olympics remains an aspiration—potentially through beach volleyball competition.
Coach Schunzel expressed confidence about Johnsen’s future endeavors: “When that woman decides to do something, she goes for it,” he said. “She doesn’t do anything halfway, and that’s what’s great about her.”
