MELISSA SOUSA RECEIVES FRED BATLEY OCR LEADERSHIP AWARD

TORONTO - Ontario Collegiate Recreation (OCR) is proud to announce that Melissa Sousa of Seneca Polytechnic has been named its 2025-26 Fred Batley OCR Leadership Award winner.

The Fred Batley OCR Leadership Award was established to recognize an OCAA institution staff member who provides outstanding student-centred programming, innovative recreation engagement approaches and building community within their institution and within the OCR.

Sousa is the Senior Recreation & Wellness Specialist at Seneca, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing recreation programs at the Newnham Campus while leading and supporting fitness coordinators across all campuses. As the college-wide liaison for student wellness, she collaborates with various departments to develop and implement impactful wellness initiatives and events.

In her role, Sousa organizes Seneca's annual student staff training, preparing over 100 part-time student employees across multiple campuses. Additionally, she leads the Seneca Student Athletic Association (SAA) student advisory committee, coordinating leadership training days and professional development activities throughout the year for both varsity and recreation students. Sousa excels at mentoring student leaders, helping them sharpen their skills while successfully balancing academics, employment, and personal life.

With over 20 years of dedicated service at Seneca, Sousa has made a lasting impact across the King, Seneca @ York, and Newnham campuses. She has been instrumental in driving meaningful change, implementing innovative processes, and developing creative programming to enhance student engagement. A recognized leader in student wellness, she is highly respected within Seneca and the broader OCAA/OCR community for her commitment to excellence and her contributions to campus recreation.

Always championing innovation, Sousa spearheaded Champion of the Court, a unique initiative that allows students to participate in drop-in, intramural-style activities individually while earning points toward Sting Bucks — a rewards system she also created. At the end of each semester, students can redeem their Sting Bucks for Seneca Rec gear, further incentivizing campus involvement.

Furthermore, Sousa has worked tirelessly this past year to revitalize campus life by bringing major events back to Seneca. In collaboration with the Seneca Student Federation, the athletics department offered a massive Frosh event across all campuses, as well as a recent Bring the Spring event under their dome. Featuring inflatables, games and prizes, these initiatives brought palpable excitement and energy back to the student body.

Sousa was also instrumental in reviving women's hockey at Seneca, demonstrating her commitment to teamwork and excellence within the OCR. Thanks to the dedication of the players and a highly motivated coach, the team made it all the way to the Rec Cup Championship in their very first full year back on the ice.

Whether she is motivating students on their personal fitness journeys or rallying a team to work an all-day event, Sousa serves as an exceptional role model. She works closely with departments like the Seneca Student Federation, Student Life, and Counselling to deliver collaborative wellness weeks that elevate the overall student experience.

Through her innate ability to foster a sense of belonging and cultivate leadership skills, it is clear that Sousa truly loves what she does. She is an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Fred Batley Leadership Award.

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For nearly 60 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com