Clarkson University Athletics

FRESHMAN SEASON (2025-26):  Kate Manness established herself as one of ECAC Hockey’s top young defensemen during an outstanding freshman season at Clarkson. The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native appeared in all 35 games and recorded six goals and 26 assists for 32 points, finishing third on the team in scoring. She led Clarkson’s defensemen in points and ranked second overall on the team in assists while producing 80 shots, a plus-14 rating and 35 blocked shots.

Manness made an early offensive impact, registering her first collegiate goal and assist in the second game of the season at Merrimack. She later collected three assists in victories over Union and St. Lawrence, demonstrating the vision and puck-moving ability that became defining elements of her freshman campaign.  Her production reached another level during the second half of the season. Manness assembled an 11-game point streak in which she recorded three goals and 17 assists. She finished January with three goals, 14 assists and a plus-14 rating, earning both ECAC Hockey and Hockey Commissioners Association National Defender of the Month honors. Manness also received ECAC Defender of the Week recognition twice and was selected as the conference’s Rookie of the Week once.

One of her biggest moments came against nationally ranked Colgate on February 13. With the game tied in overtime, Manness collected a loose puck along the boards, attacked through the middle of the ice and scored the game-winning goal to give Clarkson a 4-3 victory. The goal was her sixth of the season and helped the Golden Knights secure an important win while battling for postseason position. 

Manness finished ECAC Hockey play with four goals and 19 assists for 23 points across all 22 conference games. Her 19 league assists tied for the team lead, while her 25 blocked shots paced the Golden Knights. She was unanimously selected to the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie Team, earned First-Team All-ECAC honors and was named a finalist for both the conference’s Defender and Rookie of the Year awards.

Her exceptional debut season was also recognized by Clarkson, which named Manness its 2026 Female Rookie of the Year. With her poise, offensive instincts and ability to contribute in every area of the game, Manness completed one of the strongest freshman seasons by a defenseman in program history and established herself as a central part of Clarkson’s blue line. 

BEFORE CLARKSON:

A smart and steady two-way defenseman, Kate Manness joins Clarkson with a strong track record at the junior and international levels. She recorded 36 points (6G, 30A) in 31 games during the 2023–24 season with the Burlington Jr. Barracudas and helped lead the team to the 2024 OWHA U22 Elite Provincial Championship. Known for her poise, hockey IQ, and special teams play, Manness also represented Team Manitoba at the U18 Nationals and Canada Winter Games, and won gold with Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship. Off the ice, she’s an honor roll student and joins Clarkson alongside her twin sister, Sara.                                    

THE BACK OF THE HOCKEY CARD:

• Hometown: La Salle, Manitoba

• Position: Defense

• Height:  5-7

• Shoots: Right

• Previous Team: Burlington Jr. Barracudas 

GET TO KNOW KATE:

• Daughter of April Manness & Jason Manness

• Has two sisters; Alison Manness, who is working on her masters degree at University of Manitoba & Sara Manness, who will be joining Kate at Clarkson.

• Enjoys golf & tennis

• 2025 graduate of Abbey Park High School

• Pre-Health Science major