Melissa Ray of Red Deer Polytechnic Named 2025 CCAA Torchbearer Presented by Hudl
(May 7, 2025) – The following was submitted by the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association.
Melissa Ray, a student-athlete at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), has been named a 2025 recipient of the CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship Presented by Hudl, an honour awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to community service.
A veteran of RDP’s cross-country running team and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, Ray has consistently led with purpose both on and off the course. She is the founder and Run Leader of the Red Deer Run Collective, a free, inclusive running group that has grown into a powerful community movement over the past eight years. The collective provides a welcoming, no-cost fitness space for runners of all levels and was formally recognized for its community contributions at the 2024 Healthy Living Expo in Red Deer.
“Being recognized as a CCAA Torchbearer is an incredible honor,” said Ray. “Founding the Red Deer Run Collective and being one of the Run Leaders over the past eight years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Expanding our leadership team and connecting with like-minded individuals has allowed us to build a positive and inclusive running community that welcomes everyone.”
In addition to her work with the Run Collective, Ray was named one of United Way Central Alberta’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2024, celebrating her tireless advocacy and philanthropy. That same year, she helped organize and lead a 5km Kickoff fundraiser through United Way, raising $3,000 to support essential services for vulnerable families in Red Deer.
Ray also founded the Sarah Rohr Bursary Fund, a scholarship supporting single mothers in RDP’s nursing program. Created in memory of her late friend and mentor, the bursary has raised over $30,000 and continues supporting students pursuing education and community impact—values both women deeply shared.
“It’s been amazing to see the impact of providing free fitness opportunities, supporting essential local services, and creating a bursary in Sarah’s honour,” said Ray. “Seeing the power of sport to bring people together and create change has been incredibly meaningful. I’m grateful to the CCAA and Hudl for this recognition and for encouraging student-athletes to make a difference beyond competition.”
The CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship, Presented by Hudl, awards six student-athletes annually with a $1,000 scholarship, recognizing their off-the-field leadership and civic engagement. Launched in 2021, the initiative reflects the evolving partnership between Hudl and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association, highlighting the value of sport as a force for social good.
Hudl, the Official Video Analysis and Exchange Partner of the CCAA remains committed to supporting student-athletes in all areas of their development, with the Torchbearer Scholarship serving as a testament to the importance of leadership beyond sport.
Melissa Ray’s story is a powerful reminder that athletics can be a launching point for change—and that one determined individual can inspire a movement that benefits an entire community.
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About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Nancy Paquette, Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association
Manager, Marketing & Communication
nancy@ccaa.ca
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Kayla Beers, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
kaylab@acac.ab.ca