Luca Uccello named the best in the nation
With files from the CCAA
LANGLEY, B.C. – Luca Uccello of the Humber Hawks is the 2022 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men's Soccer Player of the Year.
Uccello becomes the fourth player in Humber soccer history to garner the prestigious award, joining Hall of Famers Luigi Della Rovere (1997), Andrew DaSilva (2009), and Marcos Nunes (2106). He also became the 23rd player to be named a CCAA All-Canadian.
The student-athletes were honoured at the 2022 CCAA Men's Soccer National Championship, hosted by Langara College in Langley, BC.
"Luca had an outstanding season for the undefeated Hawks and was a major reason for that success, playing high-quality offence and defence in the midfield," said David Munro, CCAA Men's Soccer Convenor. "He played a pivotal role in disrupting attacks from opposing teams, as Humber allowed only five goals all season."
Uccello led the Hawks to a perfect 10-0 record and first-place finish in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association's (OCAA) West Division. The Hawks went on to earn gold at the Conference Championships to earn a spot at the CCAA Championship, where they'll look to defend their national crown this week.
The fifth-year midfielder recorded ten goals this season and set a new OCAA record with 12 assists. The Hawks scored an OCAA-record 56 goals in 2022. Opposing teams also had difficulty creating scoring chances against Humber and were held to a league-low five goals against.
Uccello is a true team captain who provides leadership through his actions, both on and off the pitch.
His game awareness, tactical intelligence and abilities make him a complete player who can contribute on offence and defence. He is a hard-working midfielder who can create, unlock the opposition's defence, and finish.
Uccello excels in the classroom as much as he does on the pitch. Last season, he earned CCAA Academic All-Canadian and OCAA All-Academic honours.
He appeared in 12 caps for the Canadian national team, competing with the U18 squad in 2015 and the U20 team from 2016-17.
"As a former national team member, Luca's experience is displayed every time he steps on the pitch," said Brian Lepp, Coordinator, Sports Information and Marketing at Humber. "His vision and leadership make his teammates better, helping Humber live up to its No. 1 ranking."
The CCAA Men's Soccer Player of the Year receives a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA.
With the conclusion of the banquet, Ucello and the Hawks will now focus on defending their national title, opening the championship on Nov. 9 against Les Rouges de Saint-Boniface in the quarter-final round. Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. PT/ 6 p.m. ET.
