Donors serve up student success

As a third-year student-athlete in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR), Misha Hameed has made a name for herself both academically and athletically.

On the court, Hameed is a libero or defensive specialist with the Pandas Volleyball team. In just two years on the team, she has accumulated some impressive statistics, including 527 digs, making her a standout force on the court.

For Hameed, volleyball has always been more than just a game. She credits the Pandas with teaching her about “discipline, leadership, and what it means to be part of something bigger than just yourself”.

Off the court, Hameed’s academic achievements are equally notable. She is a two-time Academic All-Canadian who maintains an average of over 80 per cent while competing at the highest level of university sport in Canada. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Kinesiology, Hameed has aspirations to attend medical school, following in her mother’s footsteps to become a doctor.

Hameed has received several scholarships, including the Pandas Volleyball Athletic Alumni Award and the Universiade ‘83 Scholarship.

“I’m truly grateful for the support of donors–it’s allowed me to focus on both my studies and sport,” said Hameed. “All of the experiences in sport, academics, and service have shaped who I am and continue to push me to grow as a student, athlete, and person.”

Donor-funded scholarships are part of the Shape the Future campaign, a fundraising initiative dedicated to student success through support for access and affordability, experiential learning, and student spaces. Gifts to the campaign help students like Misha thrive on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Hameed is proud to study close to home.

“From a young age, the U of A has always been in my sights - not only because of its strong academic reputation, but because of how much it has represented to me personally, ” said Hameed. “The U of A gave me a chance to stay close to family while pursuing academic and athletic excellence.”

The decision was made easier by the U of A’s reputation. KSR is ranked in the Top 10 in the world for sports-related subjects.

“The balance of education, high-level sport, and community was what made my decision easy,” she said. “It wasn’t just about choosing a university, but choosing the environment where I felt I could thrive in every part of my life.”

A typical day for Hameed includes strength training, followed by classes, afternoon volleyball practice, and video review. Evenings are spent with her family before getting caught up on homework and preparing for the next day. While it’s a packed schedule, she loves it.

“Having clear goals and an amazing, strong academic program keeps me motivated,” she said.

Despite her busy schedule during the school year, Hameed finds time to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Steadward Centre; in the summer months, she volunteers with the Edmonton Food Bank and Maskwacis Health Initiatives, a project aimed at supporting wellness efforts and outreach in the community.

“These opportunities remind me of the broader circles I am a part of and the kind of impact I can have outside the classroom and off the volleyball court,” Hameed said.

As a member of the Pandas, she’s also had the opportunity to give back during the summer by coaching and mentoring younger athletes. She shares with them the values that have shaped her.

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You gave shape to the future.

Together, we raised $147M to support U of A students through the Shape the Future campaign. Because of you, students are already benefiting from scholarships, experiences and spaces that are shaping their futures.

See the Impact

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She follows her own advice to students and athletes to “pursue excellence, but also pursue joy.”
Donor support has allowed Hameed to pursue both.

“It’s more than just financial help, it’s a reminder that people out there believe in what we are working towards as students,” said Hameed. “It’s helped me stay committed to my goals and encouraged me to give back to my community.”

“To every donor who’s invested in students like me - thank you! Your support doesn’t just get us through school, it inspires us to become leaders and contributors in the world beyond it.”