BACK  
OWFL Scholarship Recipient - 2003

 

Melissa Kandola

St. Joseph Secondary School - Mississauga


    Earlier this year, there was a new reality program on TV called "Fame"!  the judges were looking for multi-talented performers with what they called the "Triple Threat."  In this context it referred to excellence in singing, dancing and a special quality of entertaining.

 

     In lacrosse, we apply the term "Triple Threat" to refer to a player with the ball who is in position to pass, shoot or drive to goal.

 

     This year's scholarship recipient has created yet another meaning for the term.  Melissa Kandola is a student at St. Joseph Secondary School in Mississauga, but is also a bonafide "Triple Threat" -- player, coach and umpire.

 

As a player, Melissa is a member of the Brampton U-20 team.  In 2002, she received an U-20 League award as her team's Most Valuable Defender.

 

     Melissa was a member of the Canadian U-19 Squad from August 2001 to March 2003 and played on the Canadian U-19 Touring Team to the UK.  Her exceptional commitment to training was evidenced by her remarkable recovery after suffering a serious back injury in December of 2002.  Strong in body and mind, she worked diligently to return to play.  She was recognized by her school for her achievements in lacrosse.

 

     As a coach, Melissa has her NCCP Level I certification and coaches with the Brampton U-15 team.  She has involved herself in delivering introductory clinics within Brampton, helping the development of the local house league program.

 

     As an umpire, Melissa became a certified official in 2001 and is now active within the Brampton House League program, the Ontario U-15 League, as well as at the High School and University levels.

 

     It's an exceptional feat to actively do all three in any given season.  Imagine trying to fit them in all in one day.  Melissa did just that at the Provincial Championships this year, coaching on one field, then playing on another, and jumping into a car to be driving to a third to umpire.

 

     Melissa is now studying Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontairo.

 

     It's with great pride that Ontario Women's Field Lacrosse presents the 2003 OWFL Scholarship to Melissa Kandola for all her outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport.