Two former roommates and graduates of the UNCW business school, Austin Bates and Nico Mancuso, have joined forces to create Roshi, an innovative platform designed to connect university students with community members in need of specialized instruction. Initially inspired by Mancuso's personal experience seeking coaching opportunities after his graduation, Roshi has grown into a versatile marketplace offering lessons in sports, music, languages, arts, and education. By leveraging the talents of college athletes and students, the platform not only addresses the needs of parents but also provides valuable work opportunities for young professionals.
A Vision Born from Personal Experience
In the vibrant coastal town of Wilmington, during a summer brimming with opportunity, Nico Mancuso found himself reflecting on the challenges faced by university students like him who were eager to find meaningful work. Having completed his studies in economics at UNC-Wilmington, he decided to pursue a second degree in finance while staying close to Wrightsville Beach. His search for suitable employment led him to consider personal coaching, yet he quickly realized that no existing platform catered specifically to this niche market.
Mancuso shared his idea with his friend and former roommate, Austin Bates, sparking a collaborative effort that resulted in the creation of Roshi. What started as a simple concept—pairing local children with UNCW student-athletes for coaching—evolved significantly thanks to the NCAA’s adoption of NIL regulations. These new rules allowed student-athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness, paving the way for Roshi to flourish.
Today, Roshi operates as a dynamic marketplace where instructors set their rates and provide detailed information about their expertise. Parents can browse profiles and select instructors based on their children’s interests. Communication between parties is facilitated directly through the platform, ensuring seamless coordination. Payments are processed securely via Stripe, while Roshi earns a modest fee for its services.
An Inspiring Path Forward
From its humble beginnings, Roshi has expanded beyond sports to encompass a wide array of disciplines, including music, languages, arts, and education. This growth underscores the platform’s adaptability and potential impact. Looking ahead, co-founders Mancuso and Bates aim to deepen their ties with universities across North Carolina, fostering partnerships that enhance both community engagement and student employability.
As they continue refining the platform, feedback from users plays a crucial role in shaping its future. For instance, stories like that of Mary Ferrito—a UNCW basketball player turned Roshi ambassador—highlight the power of connecting youth with role models they admire. Such interactions inspire further involvement, whether attending games or participating in university-sponsored events.
Ultimately, Roshi exemplifies how creative solutions can address real-world challenges. By empowering university students to share their knowledge and skills, it enriches communities while providing invaluable professional development opportunities. As Roshi grows, it promises to redefine the landscape of youth instruction, one lesson at a time.