Nick Zwack was a multisport star at Monticello High School, captaining the baseball team, playing starting quarterback on the football team, and playing hockey, earning All-State honors in all three sports. He was particularly good in baseball, where he dominated on the mound. After graduating in 2017, he attended Xavier University, earning himself a Division I scholarship and moving all the way from Minnesota to Cincinnati.
His freshman season was something of a disappointment, especially considering the expectations that had been placed on the left-hander from others and on himself. In 61.1 innings, he posted a 6.31 ERA, allowing 53 hits, walking 39, and striking out 68.