KELOWNA, B.C. – UBC Okanagan Heat men's volleyball player
Seba Manuel was named the City of Kelowna Male Athlete of the Year last week as the City hosted their 48
th Annual Civic and Community Awards at the Laurel Packinghouse.
Manuel, a native of Kelowna and graduate of Kelowna Secondary, was recognized for his outstanding final high school season with the KSS Owls as well as for his play with the Heat in 2022.
"I'm sincerely proud of Seba," commented head coach Brad Hudson following the event. "While still very young, he's learned early that we make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give. Seba has embraced the challenges and responsibilities that come with being an elite performer. Despite being recruited by universities across the country, he has once again illustrated his pride in his community in choosing to represent the Heat and UBC Okanagan."
Last year, Manuel overcame adversity to finish his high school career as the top-ranked men's volleyball player in the province. Despite suffering a season-ending finger fracture and undergoing two reconstructive surgeries, Manuel collected several MVP awards, was named a provincial and national all-star, and secured the provincial championship title for the Owls.
Following his time at KSS, Manuel was unanimously selected as the Varsity Letters High School Volleyball Player of the Year and went on to represent BC at the Canada Summer Games in St. Catharines, Ont.
Upon joining UBCO, Manuel immediately became a starter for the Heat and went on to be named to the Canada West and U SPORTS All-Rookie teams, becoming the first UBCO male athlete to earn a spot on the national all-rookie team.
Following the conclusion of his first season with the Heat, Manuel was honoured as the school's Rookie of the Year for men's sports.
Two other athletes with ties to UBCO were also finalists for awards at the event. Men's golfer Justin Towill of Kelowna, B.C., was a finalist for the Male Athlete of the Year along with Manuel while incoming women's volleyball recruit Marija Josipovic was a finalist for the Young Female Athlete of the Year.
