Dedicated, passionate, funny, leader…these are common words used to describe fourth year StFX Human Kinetics student and former X-Women volleyball athlete Melissa Landry. The Antigonish native was tragically killed on December 29th as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident while she was on a volunteer trip in Tanzania, leaving behind numerous family, friends and teammates to mourn the loss of an inspirational individual who left this world way too soon.

The 21 year old was volunteering at an orphanage in Tanzania through an organization called HQ International Volunteer at the time of her passing. Melissa received her X-Ring just prior to leaving overseas and was looking forward to graduating this spring with her many friends and classmates.

“We send our sincerest sympathies and prayers to Melissa’s family and friends,” says StFX Director of Athletics and Recreation Leo MacPherson. “The unfortunate passing of someone so young and full of life affects all of us. During her time at StFX she was an excellent student, in addition to being a valued member and great ambassador for the women's volleyball team and the StFX Athletics family.”

Melissa played volleyball for three years with the X-Women prior to the program being discontinued at the end of the 2012-13 season. Wearing number nine on the court, she was the starting setter last year and received the X-Women’s ‘Most Improved Player’ award both in 2013 and after her freshman campaign in 2011, a testament to her dedication to the sport and her constant desire to improve her skills.

In 11 regular season matches played last season, Melissa was sixth overall in the AUS conference with 327 assists, and was fourth in the conference in assists per set (8.18). She finished the year with 34.5 points, 17 kills and 76 digs as the fifth place X-Women (6-7) lost out in semi-final playoff action to the eventual champion Dalhousie Tigers.

The 5’9” graduate of Dr. J. H. Gillis High School in Antigonish not only excelled on the court but in the classroom as well. She was a two-time CIS Academic All-Canadian, a distinction awarded to eligible varsity athletes who maintain an academic average 80% or higher. Melissa was enrolled in the StFX Leadership Academy last year and also worked in the StFX Recreation department in the Wellness Centre.

When asked to provide some remembrances of Melissa, there was no shortage of glowing comments from former teammates and coaches.

Michelle Aucoin coached Melissa in her first year at StFX and said she exemplified the term ‘student-athlete’. “She was extremely disciplined, focused and hardworking,” says Aucoin. “This, combined with her natural athleticism and intelligence, made her a standout on the volleyball court and allowed her to excel in the classroom. What really made Melissa unforgettable though was her personality and her desire to ‘make a difference’. Melissa was a quiet leader. When she spoke, everyone listened.  Her loyal, caring nature, combined with her quick wit, made her a great friend and an even better teammate.” 

“Melissa’s death is a tremendous loss, not only to the volleyball community where she was highly respected by teammates, opposition, coaches and officials, but also in the Xaverian and Antigonish communities in which she worked to help enrich the lives of those around her,” continued Aucoin.  “She made a profoundly positive impact on everyone who was fortunate enough to cross paths with her.  Melissa will be dearly missed by all who knew her.”

These thoughts were echoed by her friend and former teammate Maria Dunphy, who was fortunate enough to play alongside her for six years, both at StFX and high school.

“Melissa was one of the most selfless, determined and honest people I have ever met,” says Dunphy. “She was always able to light up a room with one of her one-liner jokes, words of encouragement, and even in her actions. Melissa was hands down one of the most disciplined athletes I have ever had the privilege of playing alongside. Her dedication to her teammates, school, and the sport of volleyball was one of her most admirable qualities.”

“When Melissa was passionate about something, you could tell by the way she whole-heartedly immersed herself into it, and that is something that I will try and carry with me for the rest of my life as a tribute to her legacy; she truly was one of the best.”

Former X-Women team captain Catherine Thornton played with Melissa all three seasons she was at StFX and commented that, “Mel was extremely proud of being at StFX, proud of getting her X-Ring and was completely dedicated to X-Women volleyball.”

“Not only did Mel spend countless hours in the gym working to become the best athlete she could be, but she was calm, composed, and a great leader both on and off the court,” continues Thornton. “Mel was one of the funniest people and could always make you smile. She was famous for her dance moves, good nature, and providing never-ending hilarity. She always seemed to bring out the best in others and had a positive impact on everyone she knew. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, she was such a force of life and will be missed more than I could ever say.”

Dr. Sasho MacKenzie had the rare distinction of getting to know Melissa as both a student in two of his Human Kinetics courses (where she well exceeded Dean’s List-caliber grades) and as an athlete he coached on the volleyball court.

“Like very few others, Mel was a pleasure to coach, learned new skills with ease, excelled at physical training, and thoroughly grasped challenging academic concepts,” says MacKenzie. “She really did epitomize the all-around student-athlete. She always had a positive influence on those around her, she was a leader who actively sought out those who needed that positive influence the most.”

“In a way, it is comforting that Melissa grew so fast in such a short period of time, but it is very difficult not to be sad when you consider what is left undone by a person with so many gifts and who was getting better every day at using them.”

A dedicated athlete who was passionate about her sport, an endearing teammate and friend, and a successful and engaging student, Melissa Landry will forever be remembered for her generous spirit and active contribution to StFX University.