Melina Collins announced as Dalhousie recipient of AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award

(HALIFAX, N.S.) Atlantic University Sport is pleased to announce Dalhousie Tigers women's basketball student-athlete Melina Collins as Dalhousie University's recipient of the AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award.

Beginning this year, Atlantic University Sport is recognizing one student-athlete from each member university as a recipient of the prestigious award, highlighting outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship.

Each recipient receives a $500 scholarship in recognition of their accomplishments.

Established in 1985, the James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award is one of Atlantic University Sport's premier student-athlete honours.

A fourth-year psychology student from Halifax, N.S., Collins has distinguished herself through her academic excellence, leadership and commitment to community service.

A leader on and off the court for the Tigers women's basketball program, Collins played in all 20 games this season, earning 14 starts while averaging 8.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.

Collins has also excelled in the classroom throughout her university career. A four-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian and Dean's List honouree, she posted a 4.3 GPA during the fall 2025 term. She has earned numerous scholarships and awards in recognition of her academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

She was also selected as a national recipient of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Troop 17 Scholarship, which recognizes students who have made significant efforts toward the prevention of bullying and harassment in their schools and communities.

This season, Collins was named the recipient of AUS women's basketball's Student-Athlete Community Service Award.

Beyond her athletic and academic accomplishments, Collins has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving her community. She volunteers with the IWK Children's Hospital Special Visitor Program, supports the Nova Scotia Health Authority's Low Intensity Exercise Program and serves as the women's basketball representative on Dalhousie's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

She also volunteers with Dalhousie's Hear Me Roar outreach initiative and mentors young athletes through the Prospect Bulls Junior Bulls program, where she helps develop basketball skills, teamwork and confidence in the next generation of players.

Collins played a key role in developing Tigers Read, a literacy-based mentorship initiative that pairs Dalhousie student-athletes with elementary school students for weekly one-on-one reading support in partnership with the Halifax Central Library. The program was created to foster a love of reading, build community connections and provide meaningful mentorship opportunities for children and student-athletes alike.

"Our program values growth, commitment, and the daily investment required to help a team succeed," said Dalhousie Tigers women's basketball head coach Tanya McKay. "Melina's contributions to our culture, competitive environment, and connection to the community are reflected in this recognition." 

Collins becomes the third student-athlete to be announced as a 2026 AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award recipient. The remaining eight recipients will be announced over the coming days.

James Bayer taught education and physical education at both high school and university levels. He served as supervisor and consultant for the Nova Scotia Department of Culture, Recreation and Fitness.

At Acadia University, he served as dean of recreation and physical education and as director of athletics from 1978-1985. As an administrator in the AUAA and the CIAU, he was a key player in the establishment of intercollegiate athletic policy.

The PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award is presented annually by PepsiCo Beverages Canada.