Growing up around the game, UBC Okanagan’s Seba Manuel is finding his rhythm with the Heat

Volleyball has been part of Seba Manuel’s life for as long as he can remember.

The fourth-year UBC Okanagan (UBCO) Heat player grew up immersed in the sport, shaped by a household where athletics and academics carried equal weight. His father has coached volleyball in Kelowna for more than two decades, while his mother works in education, which is a balance that helped guide Manuel both on the court and in the classroom.

“My dad is the women’s coach here [UBCO], he’s been coaching here for over 25 years,” said Manuel. 

“I’d say that he’s always been a pretty driving factor in pursuing athletics and seeing how far I can push myself.” 

His mother’s influence was just as strong, particularly when it came to school.

“She hires all the teachers in the school district, so on that side of things she’s always been really driving me with my academics,” said Manuel.

“Both of those things combined… I’ve been pretty driven by my parents to achieve my goals.” 

Growing up around practices and players helped spark Manuel’s passion for the game. Some of his earliest memories came while tagging along with his father’s teams.

“I remember going to my dad’s practices all the time and just hanging out and messing around with his players. Those were pretty core memories,” said Manuel. 

“I watched Team Canada a couple times when I was younger. Those were pretty eye-opening experiences for me.” 

Today, Manuel describes himself as a competitive player who thrives on energy and awareness on the court.

“I’d say I’m pretty competitive and I’m also very loud,” he said with a laugh. 

“But I like to think I’m a pretty smart player. The stuff that I do well is a little bit nuanced, it kind of flies under the radar.” 

That attention to detail, he says, is partly the result of growing up around high-level volleyball.

“All those little details that I’m able to pick up. That comes from just being surrounded by high-level volleyball and people constantly giving feedback.”

Manuel chose to stay close to home when it came time to pick a university. UBCO offered both convenience and opportunity.

“It’s right here at home, so it’s way cheaper, all of that stuff,” he said. 

“But at the same time, I knew that if I came here, it was going to be a good transition period and I’d get a chance to develop pretty early.” 

He also knew many of the players on the roster before arriving.

“A lot of them were good friends of mine,” Manuel said. 

“So all those things together were the main reasons I came here.” 

During his time with the Heat, Manuel has watched the program grow and evolve. When he arrived, the roster was loaded with young players trying to find their footing.

“In my first year, there were nine or 10 rookies,” he said. 

“Now all those guys that were young are fourth and fifth years. It’s nice to see that transition.” 

The shared experience of early struggles helped forge a stronger bond within the team.

“That chemistry we have now has grown from all the not-so-good seasons we’ve had together,” Manuel said. 

“Now we’re kind of like, ‘Hey, we put that stuff behind us, let’s enjoy this moment.’” 

This season has been particularly memorable for the Heat, who have put together one of the most successful campaigns in program history.

“It feels like this is the best season that we’ve ever had in UBCO history,” said Manuel said. 

Early victories helped build confidence, including a season-opening sweep of Manitoba and a breakthrough win over Alberta at home.

“Those two moments really pushed us forward,” he Manuel. 

“We were like, ‘Okay, this is our path. Let’s embrace it.’” 

For Manuel, volleyball is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. The nature of the sport — rally by rally — demands focus and resilience.

“Every rally is worth something,” he said. 

“After that rally is done, you have to move on to the next one.” 

That mindset helps him stay present during matches.

“When I can focus my energy and pour it into one rally, that’s when I feel the most free, and I’m kind of in that flow state.” 

Away from the court, Manuel studies kinesiology at UBCO and has developed an interest in physiotherapy.

“I’m taking classes along the physiotherapy route,” he said. 

“I’m finally starting to find the classes that I’m interested in.” 

Balancing academics and athletics can be demanding, especially with a daily commute to campus, but Manuel says time management is key.

“Once you figure that out, you’re kind of in a good groove,” he said. 

Looking ahead, Manuel plans to return for a fifth year with the Heat before pursuing volleyball at the next level.

“My biggest dream since day one has been to be a professional athlete,” he said. 

“I’m going to try and pursue that in Europe.” 

Even with long-term goals in mind, he believes staying grounded in the present is essential.

“You want to make sure that you’re present and enjoying the moment that you’re in currently,” said Manuel.

“If you’re present and making the most of what you have right now, you’re going to be the happiest.”