HAMMOND, Louisiana – With a heavy heart, we announce the passing Wednesday morning of former University of Southeast Louisiana baseball player and assistant coach Kaleb Manuel following a long battle with cancer. The native of Mamou, Louisiana, was 30 years old.

Ultimate competitor but friend of all who knew him, Manuel leaves behind a legacy of hard work and a positive outlook on life.

Manuel served Matt riserfor four seasons as an assistant coach. From 2016 to 2018, he coordinated camps, instructed outfielder, served as a first base coach, maintained the playing surface at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field and assisted with administrative duties.

After a one-year stint as a head coach at Pearl River High School, Manuel returned to the Southeast in June 2019 to take on the Lions pitching coach position. He resigned after the pandemic-cut short 2020 season to focus on his health and treatment, before later returning to the St. Tammany Parish public school system.

A two-time member of the Southland Conference Academic Honor Roll, Manuel won the Louisiana Pitcher of the Week honors (May 13, 2013) after pitching a full game to defeat Sam Houston State, ranked 5-1, and take the Bearkats 11-game winning streak.

Manuel graduated from Southeastern in 2013 with a BA in General Studies. He is survived by his wife, the former Courtney Harris of Pearl River, Louisiana.

Visits begin at 8 a.m. on Saturdays at the Ardoin funeral home in Mamou followed by the rosary at 11:30 a.m. The funeral mass begins at 12:30 pm across the street at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.