(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS men’s volleyball team is welcoming 6’2” setter Lucas Maffia, a native of São Paulo, Brazil, to their recruiting class of 2023.
“Lucas is a highly-skilled setter with an impressive resume,” said REDS head coach Dan McMorran. “He’s a significant addition.”
Maffia is transferring from Camosun College, in Victoria, BC, and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023-2024 RSEQ season.
“It seems like an amazing environment, not only athletically, but academically and there’s a great sense of community,” said Maffia. “The team make-up also aligns very well with my remaining years of eligibility, being a young team with tons of potential that I can’t wait to contribute to.”
In 2021-22, Maffia, as starting setter, played a key role in helping the Camosun Chargers capture the PacWest conference championship and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championship, earning Camosun’s Rookie of the Year award in the process.
He was also the starting setter and co-captain for Team BC at the 2022 Canada Summer Games.
His roles on British Columbia provincial teams extends back to 2019 and includes indoor and beach teams.
At the club level, with Victoria Volleyball Association sides, Maffia was part of provincial championship teams at the U13, U14 and U16 levels.
“I hope to bring leadership on and off the court,” said Maffia. “As well, a lot of hard work and a very competitive attitude.”
Maffia has a connection to the current REDS roster, having played against REDS hitter Rafael Hilario in the PacWest conference last season.
“Lucas is a passionate leader with great instincts,” said Coach McMorran. “He has a real love for the game and wants to keep getting better. His ability to run a dynamic offence will allow him to make an immediate impact with our squad, and I’m excited to have him join our team.”
Among Maffia’s goals as a RED, returning to the national championship stage, at the U SPORTS level.
He’ll enter UNB’s renowned Faculty of Kinesiology and pursue a degree in Recreation and Sport Studies.
PHOTOS: Camosun College