Megan Stacey Manning heading into NBSHOF
Megan Stacey Manning was cut from her grade 8 volleyball team, but in her first year at Widdifield High School, she was invited to try out for the volleyball team because, as she said, “I was the tallest girl in grade 9."
Her high school career saw her lead her Widdifield team to an OFSAA gold medal in 2001 as well as being named Female Athlete of the Year in 2000 & 2001. In 2004, she set the record for the most points per game average at 6.7.
Stacey Manning is on the 2025 list of North Bay Sports Hall of Fame inductees, which includes decorated Nordic skier Dave Nighbor, Gymtrix owner and longtime gymnastic coach Nikki Chretien, former NHL and WHL official Peter Moffat, and accomplished weightlifter Melissa Ladouceur.
Moving on to Nipissing University, Megan placed her name in the record books in her rookie year, setting three OCAA records, including most points in a season (301), most points in a match (31) and best points per game average (6.7 PPG), the latter two records still stand.
In 2005, Megan broke two Ontario Colleges Athletic Association volleyball records, setting a new record for most kills in a season with 250, erasing the previous record of 247. She also beat her own record for total offensive points in a season by compiling 308 offensive points during the 2004-05 season.
In 2007, her high level of play was once again recognized as she was named to the CCAA All-Canadian volleyball All-Star team for the 4th consecutive year. Over those four seasons, she has left 7 OCAA scoring records in her wake, including the all-time scoring record. It was during that final year that she led Nipissing to a 14-0 record and its first provincial championship.
In her four years at Nipissing, she amassed 1028 points for 5 th overall and ranks fourth in kills with 821 in OCAA rankings.
Her resume truly speaks to her abilities in the sport of volleyball.
- 2000 & 2001 – Widdifield High School Female Athlete of the Year
- 2004 - 2006 - OCAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year
- 2003 – 2007 – Nipissing University Female Athlete of the Year
- 2003 – 2007 – Nipissing University Volleyball Most Valuable Player
- 2003 – 2007 – OCAA All Star
- 2006 – 2007 – OCAA Athlete of the Year
- 2006 – 2007 – OCAA Championship Most Valuable Player
Described by one of her coaches as a truly gifted player who, due to her outstanding ability, saw teams lay out their strategy focusing on her. In spite of their best laid plans, her play allowed her to be the best middle blocker in Nipissing University history and ranks her with the best in OCAA competition. Along with her athletic ability, her leadership and team-first attitude contributed greatly to her team’s successes.
Forgoing scholarship offers from USA colleges, Megan returned to North Bay, where she followed her dreams of becoming a nurse.
"Her decision to return home to Nipissing University served her well and served the Nipissing University volleyball program well, with the culmination of her athletic career being recognized," stated Tim Lowe, the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame Chair.
Stacey Manning will be inducted into the NBSHOF at the 45th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on Saturday, May 2, at the Davedi Club. Tickets can be purchased through Larry Tougas at 705-303-8104. Tickets are also available at the Davedi Club by calling 705-474-4190.
