Sarah Forsythe announced as UPEI recipient of AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award 

(HALIFAX, N.S.) Atlantic University Sport is pleased to announce UPEI Panthers women's hockey student-athlete Sarah Forsythe as the University of Prince Edward Island'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 science student from Riverview, N.B., Forsythe has distinguished herself through her excellence in athletics, academics and community leadership. 

A goaltender with the UPEI Panthers women's hockey team, Forsythe appeared in 14 games and made 13 starts this season, posting a .905 save percentage. She was named player of the game four times during the 2025-26 campaign. 

Over her four-year career with the Panthers, Forsythe compiled a .913 save percentage and has been a pivotal part of the program's success. 

Forsythe has also excelled in the classroom throughout her university career as a four-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian. 

Beyond her athletic and academic achievements, Forsythe has made a significant impact through her leadership and volunteer work on campus and in the local community. 

She has dedicated countless hours to youth hockey development through the Panthers' hockey camps, volunteering her time to teach and mentor young female athletes across the province. 

Forsythe also serves as director of the UPEI Women's Hockey Cub Club, a program designed to inspire the next generation of female hockey players by providing unique behind-the-scenes experiences with the Panthers program, including opportunities to meet players, tour the locker room and participate in game-day activities. 

In January 2026, Forsythe launched the UPEI Saves for Mental Health initiative, raising more than $1,000 in support of mental health programs on Prince Edward Island. 

Her commitment to mentorship, community engagement and growing opportunities for young athletes has made her a valued leader both on campus and throughout the community. 

Sarah Forsythe is the 11th and final student-athlete to be announced as a 2026 AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award recipient. Other recipients include Acadia's Leah Adams, Cape Breton's Ellie Lancaster, Dalhousie's Melina Collins, Memorial's Norm Burry, Mount Allison's Walker Ratte, Saint Mary's Charlie Da Fonseca, STFX's Katie Murphy, St. Thomas's Katie Sweeney, Université de Moncton's Yannick Boudreau and UNB's Katie Butts. Read more about all of this year's recipients here. 

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.