Raphael Lima Seabra, a 2019 graduate of Grand View University, returned to his alma mater in August 2023 as the Head Men’s Volleyball Coach, becoming the third head coach in program history. A former Viking himself, Seabra brings deep experience and a strong commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
During his four years competing for Grand View’s men’s volleyball program, Seabra helped lead the Vikings to national-level success, including runner-up finishes in 2016 and 2017 and national championship victories in 2018 and 2021. He served as team captain in 2019 and earned individual recognition as a member of the Conference Tournament Team during his freshman year. In his junior and senior seasons, he was honored with the Champions of Character Award, demonstrating his commitment not only to athletic excellence but also to leadership and integrity.
Originally from Brazil, Seabra arrived at Grand View in August 2015 and quickly became a leader both on campus and within athletics. Beyond the court, he served as Vice President of the Residential Experience Council during his final two years at the university and was named Grand View’s Most Inspiring Student Leader at the conclusion of his senior year. His coaching journey also began during this time, when he assisted the women’s volleyball program as a sophomore before becoming the Student Head Coach of the JV program while continuing to support the varsity team.
After graduating, Seabra remained closely connected to the sport, serving as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s programs at Grand View. He later expanded his career internationally, working as an assistant coach and marketing coordinator for Curitiba Volei, a professional volleyball club in Brazil. These experiences broadened his perspective and strengthened his vision for building successful teams. His return to Grand View in 2023 marked a full-circle moment in his career as he took over leadership of the program he once helped build as a player.
“Returning to Grand View—my home, where so much of my life was shaped—is incredibly meaningful,” Seabra reflects. “This program holds a special place in my heart, and I’m thrilled to once again be part of a community that has given me so much. We have exciting opportunities ahead as we build the future of Viking volleyball together.”
