The Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) is pleased to present University of British Columbia Okanagan’s, Steve Manuel with the 2008-09 Coaching Excellence Across All Sports Award. One deserving coach is selected from across all CCAA sports based on his/her contribution to the sport, as well as their positive leadership and commitment to educational goals.

Since Steve’s first year coaching in the BCCAA, the Okanagan program has flourished, continually building teams that are competitive and strong both provincially and nationally.  Steve’s record to date is; League 103-37 (.736); Career 143-64 (.691), and under his guidance the Heat have gone on to win six Provincial medals and two National medals in eight years.  This year they have been particularly successful winning double gold and capturing the BCCAA Provincial and CCAA National Championship titles.

Steve strives to develop his student-athletes and team to their full potential.  Significant floor time and starting opportunities are afforded to all players.  Coach Manuel realizes this philosophy is fundamental to developing all his student-athletes, thus creating an experienced pool of starters for future years. 

Steve’s technical knowledge and teaching ability combined with his intense coaching style and sense of humour are what make him an excellent coach.   The team atmosphere he creates is one of support.  His student-athletes are free to push themselves, striving for excellence without the fear of failure.  Former players have gone on to pursue volleyball opportunities beyond UBC Okanagan, within the CIS, and at the National and International level.

Coach Manuel is known as one of the premiere coaches in British Columbia, who conducts himself with integrity and class on and off the court.  As a celebration of his coaching abilities, Steve has been awarded the following:  BCCAA Coach of the year 2008/09, 2007/08, 2004/05, 2001/02; and 2007/08 CCAA Coach of the Year.

Outside of University of British Columbia Okanagan, Steve, an NCCP Level 3 certified coach and NCCP Level 1 and 2 Learning Facilitator, has found time to coach at the Club and Canada Games level.  His passion and love of the sport is evident, organizing hundreds of volleyball events for participants of all ages .

The Canadian Colleges Athletic Association is a national sport organization that enriches the lives of student-athletes through intercollegiate competition.