General | 6/26/2023 10:16:47 PM
Oscar Muñoz Trinidad of the Elmira College men’s volleyball team was named the 2022-23 Empire 8 Co-Male Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year, based on a vote by the conference Faculty Athletic Representatives (FARs). The award honors a male student-athlete who best exemplify what it means to be a dedicated scholar and athlete over the course of their collegiate careers.
A two-time United Volleyball Conference (Honorable Mention, Second Team) and Empire 8 All-Conference First Team selection, Muñoz Trinidad wrapped up his Soaring Eagle career as one of the most decorated players in program history, while leading Elmira to an AVCA Division III National Top-15 ranking and one of its finest seasons in 2023.
Muñoz Trinidad earned Elmira College’s Male Athlete of the Year award in 2021-22 before notching the EC Male Outstanding Career Achievement award at the annual banquet in 2023. A multi-tool player for the Soaring Eagles, Muñoz Trinidad ranked second on the team this season in kills (234), third in digs (99), third in blocks (21), and third in service aces (20). He tallied 605 kills and 724.5 points in three seasons, while hitting .298 to go along with 414 assists, 287 digs, 98 blocks and 60 service aces.
“Oscar Muñoz Trinidad is a very special individual,” said Ryan McDonough, Elmira’s men’s volleyball head coach. “When Oscar first arrived at Elmira, he was very shy, spoke little English, but always approached every situation and faced adversity with a smile. Oscar was the driving force behind much of the success of the men’s volleyball program and is an example of a perfect student-athlete. He is extremely intelligent, has the kindest heart and truly cares about the people around him. Oscar is an extremely hard worker, and I could not be prouder of who Oscar has become and how he represents Elmira College.”
A native of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, Muñoz Trinidad earned his bachelor’s degree in both human services and sociology and anthropology from Elmira, while carrying a 3.901 cumulative grade-point average. Muñoz Trinidad was a five-time member of the Empire 8 President's List for student-athletes with GPAs of 3.75 and won Elmira’s International Student of the Year Award in 2022. He was named the Empire 8 Torchbearer Award Winner for Men’s Volleyball Academic Excellence in 2023 and was named a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic At-Large All-District selection.
“What Oscar has accomplished in the classroom, on the volleyball court and as an emerging leader, while learning a new language, in such a short period of time, is remarkable and inspirational,” said Joe Venniro, Empire 8 Associate Commissioner. “He was the heart and soul of a team that competed with success in the premier men’s volleyball conference in Division III and became such an integral member of the Elmira College campus community. I have no doubt great things are ahead for Oscar in his professional career.”
In addition, Muñoz Trinidad was inducted into the Elmira College chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and served as a team captain for the men’s volleyball program and was a volunteer assistant coach with the EC women’s volleyball team in 2022.
“Oscar embodies all the best qualities of a student-athlete and is a fantastic human being,” said Martha Easton, Associate Professor of Society at Elmira. “His initial time at the college was completed in the distance learning format because of COVID, but once Oscar arrived at Elmira, he hit the ground running, jumping into a double major and a varsity sport at the same time. He began college with average English proficiency and is now almost perfectly fluent and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa this term. Oscar is a natural leader, deeply dedicated, passionate, socially-skilled, and talented. He is also incredibly motivated for success in every area of his life.”
2022-23 Empire 8 Male Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year Finalists
Colin Schultz, Alfred University – Swimming and Diving
Oscar Muñoz Trinidad, Elmira College – Volleyball
Nicholas Canney, Hartwick College – Swimming and Diving
Isaiah Miller, Houghton University – Soccer
Henry McKinney, Nazareth University – Ice Hockey
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The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
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