A 2007 graduate of Centenary College, Nieves earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a dual concentration in Sports Management and Marketing along with a minor in History. During his time at Centenary, he was a student worker and intern in the sports information office. Some of his responsibilities included taking statistics at various sporting events, creating game day programs, and updating the athletic website.

Nieves also served as an intern with Sports Link, who is the founder of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and All-American baseball game. He helped in creating and disseminating out press releases to national media outlets. Some of the alumni from the events include Adrian Peterson, Vince Young, Reggie Bush, Andrew Miller, Mike Murray and Colby Rasmus.

He was a multi-sport athlete at Centenary, participating on the baseball and soccer team. Helping build the baseball program into a perennial power, Nieves left holding three school records and contributed to two NCAA qualifying teams posting a .626 (93-56-1) winning percentage. As a defender on the soccer team, he also ranks in the top 10 in several categories including goals, assists, points, and tied for the most games played in the programs history.

Nieves is currently pursuing a master's degree in Sports Management.