Funes continues his world journey at Minot State
MINOT, N.D. – Living all around the world, Minot State first-year student-athlete Mateo Funes has made a big journey to get here.
"I was born in Vigo, Spain, but I hold a dual nationality, Argentinian and Italian. All my family members are from Argentina, and I’ve been raised with Argentinian culture throughout my life,” said Funes. “After my sister was born, we moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, then back to Vigo, Spain, and from there we moved to São Paulo, Brazil, back to Spain, and then to Lisbon, Portugal. Now I am here by myself, but my family is still living in Portugal.”
Being so widely versed in culture and environments, Funes grew and adapted quickly to each place, learning a wide variety of skills and mindsets and appreciating both the bigger and smaller things.
“It changed my perspective on how to understand different people from different cultures — how to adapt yourself to it — so when coming here, it was not as big of a culture shock for me. My biggest complaint might be the food here,” Funes said.
Having lived in so many places, he was able to distinguish precisely what he wanted when he began his college search, and he found a home at Minot State University.
“When I began my college search, I knew I did not want to go to a big school. I knew I had the opportunity to, but I did not choose to. It could have a bigger culture shock and would have been more difficult to have a good relationship with other people, make friends, or classes in general,” he said. “Then, while looking into Minot State, I found that it was more affordable, so as a starting point, it is a good school, and there was the soccer initiative, too.”
However, he found the University offered him everything he was looking for, and MSU was an even better fit for him than he initially thought.
“Surprisingly, I do like the weather, I really like the snow. Waking up and seeing snow, walking around in it. I really liked it. I also really like the people here. In other states that I have been to, they are not the same; it is a drastic change. People here are very close and friendly,” Funes said.
With ambitious goals and a promising future in Minot State’s business and entrepreneurship programs, he also joined the leadership program and the MSU men’s soccer team.
“I was convinced by coach Jason Spain (head coach). This was our first year, our inaugural season, and he convinced me that we will have a good team and a good season,” Funes said. “It was a great way to start the program. I really liked the idea of starting a new program.”
Minot State Beavers FC had a remarkable start as a program, going undefeated in capturing a Great Plains Soccer Conference title in their first year. MSU finished 11-1-1, dropping its only match in the Region 5 title game to No. 1 ranked University of Minnesota, falling one game short of a national tournament bid. MSU finished fifth overall in the final power rankings.
Taking that idea from soccer to school, Funes hopes that by taking advantage of every opportunity from MSU, he can join the international business world after his studies and then, sometime later in his life, have his own business.
“I have heard that they offer a lot of opportunities for that and internships (in business and entrepreneurship). I have not gotten to that stage, but I will next semester,” Funes said. “After graduating, I want to start by working for a business, and once I start gaining experience and gaining my own capital, maybe then I will go on to create my own business.”
As this world traveler continues his academic career, there is no indication he will slow down anytime soon.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 05/02/24
