Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) proudly announced the student-athletes selected as CIS Top Eight Academic All-Canadians for the 2013-14 season. The University of Manitoba had one selected as Bison women's volleyball player Brittany Habing was selected as the female recipient for Canada West.
Every year, a growing number of CIS student-athletes are recognized as Academic All-Canadians, having maintained an average of 80 per cent or better over the academic year while competing for one - or more - of their university's varsity teams.
In 2013-14, a record 2,861 students achieved the prestigious status, eclipsing the previous mark of 2,695 set a year ago.
"Brittany is such an outstanding representative for our program, our conference and our university, and we are all so proud of her accomplishments in the classroom and on the court," says Manitoba women's volleyball head coach Ken Bentley. "She really is the consummate student-athlete in that she is completely dedicated to her studies and her sport and we are so fortunate to have her in our program."
A native of East St. Paul, just north east of Winnipeg, Habing was a difference-maker last year in her first campaign with the Bisons' women's volleyball program after transferring from the University of Winnipeg, where she had played for two seasons. In her Manitoba debut, the 5-foot-8 setter was named a second-team Canada West all-star after she led the country with 10.46 assists per set and was later voted to the CIS championship all-star team after she guided the Bisons to an upset win over six-time defending champion UBC in the national final.
Habing was as productive in the classroom in her first year at Manitoba with a spectacular 4.0 GPA in science.
Very involved for years in the Winnipeg community, Habing participated in 2013-14 in the Bisons Against Bullying school program, Bison Book Buddies and the Siloam Mission visit, assisting people in need in the inner-city. She also gave back to the volleyball community as a volunteer coach at numerous youth camps.
Habing commented, "I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition. I feel this award highlights the hard work done on and off the playing field by student-athletes across the country."
One female and one male student-athlete from each of the four CIS regional association are selected annually as CIS Top Eight Academic All-Canadians.
Previous Manitoba Bisons selected for CIS Top 8 Academic All-Canadian
2013-14 Female: Brittany Habing – Women's Volleyball
2009-10 Male: Thomas Hall – Football
2006-07 Female: Katie Davidson – Women's Volleyball
2004-05 Male: Paul Deniset – Men's Hockey
2001-02 Male: Joey Mikawoz – Football (GPAC)
1998-99 Female: Nadia Melon – Women's Volleyball (GPAC)
1997-98 Female: Kathy Hrehirchuk – Women's Volleyball (GPAC)
1996-97 Female: Amanda Mlodzinski – Women's Swimming (GPAC)
1995-96 Female: Jackie Honey – Women's Track and Field (GPAC)
1995-96 Male: Mel McManus – Men's Track and Field (GPAC)
1994-95 Female: Renelda Friessen – Women's Volleyball (GPAC)
1994-95 Male: Wayne Weathers – Football and Wrestling (GPAC)
