Cavalier Wins 2025 CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship

Emmanuelle Rekha Kaldjob, a second-year student-athlete at Champlain College Saint-Lambert, has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the CCAA Torchbearer Scholarship Presented by Hudl. This national recognition honours student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional leadership and significantly contribute to their communities.

A Criminology student and standout on the Cavaliers Women’s Basketball team, Kaldjob has balanced academic and athletic commitments while spearheading meaningful community work. She is a co-founder and organizer of the Melanin Sisters Collective (MSC)—a grassroots initiative aimed at creating a safe, inclusive space for Black female students at Champlain.

“I see MSC as a community of women I can trust and relate to,” said Kaldjob. “They bring me laughter and joy. Escaping from the athletic and academic pressure for a while allows me to perform better in school and my sport.”

Founded in 2024, the Melanin Sisters Collective hosts weekly gatherings, allowing students to share their experiences and perspectives. It’s more than a support group—a platform for empowerment, education, and visibility. MSC fosters mutual understanding and has a ripple effect across the campus, inspiring new initiatives that serve other underrepresented communities.

“Emmanuelle’s initiative has transformed our campus,” said Muriel Harushamagara, a social worker in the Student Services department. “She leads with heart, balance, and a deep commitment to creating spaces where others feel seen and supported.”

Emmanuelle is also a dedicated mentor and youth coach. She volunteers weekly, coaching basketball for children aged 6–12 and participates in community outreach initiatives through her team. Her journey is one of resilience—leaving home at age 17 to pursue post-secondary education and athletics in a new city, she has become a leader admired by peers, staff, and the wider community.

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.

Emmanuelle Rekha Kaldjob’s story is about community, compassion, and courage. Her work proves that the student-athlete experience can go beyond performance—it can shape inclusive futures and lasting change.