The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) is proud to announce that Steve Manuel, current head coach of the UBC Okanagan Heat women’s volleyball program, and Rob Johnson, former Director of Athletics at Okanagan University College and UBC Okanagan, are set to be inducted into the CCAA Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Kelowna on Tuesday, June 17 as part of the organization’s Annual General Meeting.
The CCAA Hall of Fame honours the remarkable achievements of individuals who have significantly contributed to Canadian collegiate athletics. Manuel is being inducted into the coach category, which celebrates those whose leadership, mentorship, and competitive excellence have elevated collegiate sport. These coaches have guided and inspired student-athletes to succeed on and off the field of play, leaving a profound and enduring impact on their teams, their institutions, and the broader CCAA community.
Johnson, meanwhile, is being inducted into the builder category, recognizes those whose vision, dedication, and long-standing service have shaped the development of collegiate sport across the country. Through their leadership, advocacy, and commitment, these individuals have left a lasting legacy on their institutions, conferences, and the CCAA as a whole.
STEVE MANUEL
Manuel began his coaching journey with Okanagan University College during the 2001-02 season. What followed was a decade of excellence, commitment, and innovation that helped shape the landscape of collegiate volleyball in British Columbia and across the country.
Over ten years at the helm of the Okanagan program, later known as the Okanagan Lakers, Manuel compiled an incredible record of 132 league match wins and only 38 losses. His teams finished first in regular season standings on four separate occasions and consistently contended for top honours at the conference and national championships.
While leading the Lakers, Manuel guided his teams to seven conference championship podium finishes, including three gold and four silver medals. On the national stage, his squads earned five appearances at the CCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship, where they captured a bronze medal in 2007-08, and back-to-back national titles in 2008-09 and 2009-10—cementing Okanagan’s status as a powerhouse in Canadian collegiate volleyball.
Manuel’s coaching excellence extended far beyond wins and titles. His leadership and mentorship created a culture where student-athletes could thrive both on the court and in the classroom. Over the course of his career, he coached eight CCAA All-Canadians, eight CCAA Academic All-Canadians, and mentored one athlete who earned the honour of CCAA Player of the Year. His commitment to athlete development, both personally and academically, was a defining hallmark of his program.
Manuel was recognized as British Columbia’s Coach of the Year a highly decorated coach five times. He was named CCAA Coach of the Year in 2007-08 and again in 2008-09. In 2008-09, he was honoured with the CCAA Coaching Excellence Award, the association’s highest recognition for coaching achievement across all sports.
“Steve’s legacy of success and his contributions to collegiate athletics make him an exemplary candidate for the Hall of Fame,” reflected Jennifer Naiman, Athletics, Recreation & Student Life Coordinator of Okanagan College. “His dedication and leadership fostered excellence among his athletes and elevated the entire program.”
Steve Manuel‘s induction into the CCAA Hall of Fame is a tribute to a decade of unparalleled coaching, mentorship, and contribution to the sport of volleyball. His career not only produced champions but helped set a new standard for what it means to lead with integrity, passion, and purpose in collegiate sport.
ROB JOHNSON
Rob Johnson is widely respected across the collegiate sports landscape for his unwavering commitment, strong leadership, and tireless advocacy for student-athletes and athletic programs. His impact spans the local, provincial, and national levels, with decades of service to the British Columbia Colleges’ Athletic Association (BCCAA), now known as PACWEST, and the CCAA.
Johnson first joined the CCAA leadership structure as the BCCAA Representative in 1995-96, and his influence quickly grew. He served as Vice-President of Finance for the CCAA for four consecutive terms, from 1996 through 2000. In this role, Johnson played a vital part in shaping the financial strategies and governance practices that guided the association through an essential era of development and growth.
Throughout his time as the CCAA Executive, Johnson earned a reputation for precision, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to the values of collegiate sports. His detailed approach to governance and finance helped solidify the CCAA’s operational foundation, ensuring stability while championing opportunities for athletes and member institutions alike.
“Rob demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and leadership throughout his career,” shared Jennifer Naiman, Athletics, Recreation & Student Life Coordinator of Okanagan College “His consistent excellence and commitment to attention to detail have set a high standard and inspired countless others.”
Those privileged to work alongside Johnson describe him as a steady, principled leader whose influence extended far beyond his formal roles. Whether it was in a boardroom or on the sidelines, he remained focused on fostering positive experiences for student-athletes and creating space for collaboration between conferences.
His passion for sport was matched only by his belief in its potential to transform lives. Johnson’s legacy includes the policies and processes he helped build and the people he mentored and inspired along the way. His impact can still be seen today in the enduring strength and unity of the CCAA and its member conferences.
Rob Johnson’s induction into this prestigious group is a fitting tribute to a career that has left an indelible mark on the association and on Canadian collegiate sport.
– courtesy of the CCAA
