Despite participating in football, basketball, and track and field, the Eastern Hancock High senior still manages to find time for other meaningful activities.
"I am constantly in a sports season, usually with no break in between, so for me it's always been doing the things I am passionate about when I have that time to do so," explained the 6-foot-1, 195-pound standout. "To me, that looks like spending time with friends and family and often volunteering or giving back to the community in some way"
"I also like to get involved in clubs and activities. I am an Eagle Scout, and I also do a good amount of 4-H projects every year that I always love doing. I also get to lead and participate in a bible study with a large group of friends, and I get involved in many other ways. I am always busy and involved, but I also love everything I do."
Even with all of this going on, he still maintains a 4.071 grade-point average with plans to major in environmental science or a related field and play football in college.
All of these impressive accomplishments added up to Manship being named the 2025 Indianapolis Colts' High School Man of the Year.
An internal selection panel, composed of various Indianapolis Colts staff members voted on the top five selections with a heavy focus on community involvement. Nominees, who exemplify these values on and off the field, were evaluated based on their work in the community, academic accomplishment, and football performance.
"I would stress to my teammates the importance of cherishing and taking advantage of every moment," explained Manship, who plays wide receiver and defensive back. "Not only because you will eventually run out of time to play this game (football), but because every day, you get the chance to better yourself, your teammates, and the people around you. Doing that will best prepare you to reach your goals, make sure you enjoy it, and get the most out of your football experience while you have it."
A three-year regular for the Royals, he enjoyed a productive senior campaign with 60 receptions for 746 yards with seven touchdowns, four rushes for 27 yards with another score, 63 tackles with two for loss, six pass deflections, and an interception.
"I would say my strengths are definitely communication and hard work," explained Manship "I'm not the best athlete by any means, but I communicate well and try to get the best out of the people around me.
"I believe my weaknesses tend to be more specific to athleticism. My overall speed and strength need and can always be improved. The biggest weakness I have had, but is getting much better, is my self-confidence. I need to stay consistent and committed in the weight room and with training, especially as I'll be continuing my athletic career. I also need to trust myself and my abilities, along with trusting all the work I have put in."
Although he only spent this campaign with him, Eastern Hancock head football coach Josh Holden knew he had a keeper with Manship.
"Eli is a leader because he loves his teammates and puts others first," explained Holden, who previously worked at Greenfield-Central. "Being a leader among your peers can be tough, especially if you are not super vocal. However, Eli manages to earn the respect of his teammates, even with his quiet demeanor. His work ethic and character are second-to-none. Eli's teammates know that by following his lead. They will achieve the team and individual goals. During difficult times, others know Eli will encourage and guide them. Again, all of this stems from his ability to love others."
Manship's passion for sports came early on.
"I first started playing football in second grade, but I have been a part of athletics in general since I was about four years old," recalled Manship. "I've never stopped, and I love every minute of it. My greatest influences were my parents, family members, and coaches who constantly pushed me to give my best no matter the circumstances. I wouldn't be who I am today without their support and they still encourage and inspire me to this day."
One of those mentors he was referring to happens to be his new boss on the gridiron.
"It's truly a special bond that we have," explained Manship. "I find it incredibly hard to believe that any other coaching staff, let alone a first-year coaching staff, has a better relationship with their players and amongst each other than we do with Coach Holden and the staff he has brought in. The way we can be ourselves and have that athletic and on-field freedom is hard to find and the entire staff brings the best out of each of us."
Holden feels the same about his two-way performer.
"I have been coaching for 22 years now, and rarely have I met a young man who is so special in so many ways," Holden said. "Eli's main qualities are his love for the game, his teammates, coaches, family, and community. Eli never misses a workout. He loves and encourages his teammates, all of his teammates. He is respectful to his coaches and is a coach on the field. He serves his community and honors his family through volunteering and representation. Oh yeah, he's also super talented. He is the total package when it comes to what you want in a student-athlete and a leader in the community."
It's easy to see why Eli gets along with everyone he has contact with.
"My relationship with my teammates is incredible," Manship said. "There is an incredible level of trust and connectedness that we often take for granted or don't even notice. Both on and off the field, we believe in each other and have great friendships. From the oldest senior to our youngest freshman, we always build each other up and make the guys around us better players and people."
Being able to use some of the things he has learned on the hardwood, as well as running track, has transformed him into a well-rounded athlete.
"Conditioning is the big thing that is so different within the different sports I play, but they all help in big ways and translate on the football field," explained Manship. "Another thing is the situational awareness that other sports can bring so when you face adversity and a different variety of situations on the field, you are prepared.
"Communication also plays a big role in the other sports I play. I also would say the quick thinking and execution that is required in football definitely translates in a positive way in the other sports I play."
Even though he is concentrating on basketball right now, he is also thinking about his future endeavors.
"A big focus for me going into college athletics needs to be my development, both mentally with knowledge of the game, and the offense and playbook at whichever school I will be at," said Manship, who plans to attend a small NCAA Division 3 school in Indiana. "Additionally, a big focus will be my physical development. I need to get bigger, faster, stronger, and I need to take care of my body better.
"My long-term goals include graduating college with a bachelor's degree and working in an environmental research-type career with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow as much as I can within that career. I would like to have diverse working environments and have a variety of tasks within my career that could change every day. I also look forward to potentially pursuing a higher-level degree at some point in the future if the opportunity comes up."
