The PACWEST is pleased to announce the male Athlete of the Year across all sports for the 2022-2023 season.
In his fifth and final PACWEST season, Eduardo Bida of the Camosun Chargers seemingly saved the best for last. In his 52 regular season sets he showed that he was one of the most complete players in PACWEST history helping the Chargers to an incredible steam roll throughout the year.
He showed his balance and athleticism in all facets of the game over the course of the regular season. He recorded 178 kills, 38 service aces, 228 total offensive points, 12 blocks and 68 digs.
“Eduardo has been our rock all season,” says Kelvin Ma, the Chargers first year head coach. “We could always rely on his ability and experience to get us a lead or out of trouble. He has demonstrated a relentless work ethic and has shown the next generation Chargers what it takes be a national champion.”
Bida found a new gear and would level up in the playoffs. During their semi-final victory he tallied eight kills and was named the Player of the Match in a three-set sweep. Then in the PACWEST gold medal match, he was completely locked in recording a match high 14 kills and was named championship MVP leading his Chargers back to the national championship tournament.
When the Chargers arrived in Toronto it was without a doubt a business trip. Bida was the focal point, and he quickly made his presence felt in the quarterfinal match when he recorded a match high 18 kills over Providence. The next day in the semi, Bida decided to crank it up a notch and almost single handedly took down Fanshawe in four sets with a blistering 20 kills and six aces.
Then in the national finale the Humber Hawks didn’t really stand a chance with Bida and company as the Chargers won gold for the second straight season. Bida had a team high eight kills and three more aces and he was named the national championship tournament MVP.
He becomes the first men’s volleyball athlete to win this PACWEST award in 20 years. Camosun’s Matt Carere was the last to win it in 2003. That was also the last time an athlete from Camosun was honoured with this award.
This article is shared as part of our Fair Dealing Policy. For the original article, please visit: http://pacwestbc.ca/sports/mvball/2022-23/releases/20230404-BidaEduardo-AoY
