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2016 MAC Giant Steps Recipient Announced

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Hood College softball player will receive the award on Tuesday at the 16th Annual MAC Awards Luncheon

 
ANNVILLE, Pa. (Conference News) – The Middle Atlantic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has announced the 2016 recipient of the MAC Giant Steps Award. Melissa Canulli, a member of the Hood College softball program, will receive the award official on Tuesday at the 16th Annual MAC Awards Luncheon at Delaware Valley University.
 
The MAC Giant Steps Award is given to individuals who have overcome adversity while still succeeding in life, who use sports as a vehicle for positive social change, who break down barriers to provide opportunities to those who follow behind them, and individuals who inspire us to do great things using the positive aspects of sport.
 
“The MAC Giant Steps award aims to recognize student-athletes who have overcome great adversity,” said Marie Stroman, MAC Associate Executive Director. “Student-athletes of the MAC SAAC have selected Melissa Canulli to receive this award not only because she has prevailed over the obstacles of Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis, but also because she has also devoted herself to her teammates and campus community.”
 
This year, the recipient of the MAC Giant Steps Award is Melissa Canulli of Hood College.
 
Melissa Canulli, Hood College
Melissa Canulli, a utility player on the Hood College softball team, was diagnosed with a severe autoimmune disease after completing the fall semester of her freshman year. The autoimmune disease, called Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis, is one of a select few that are incurable and difficult to treat. Melissa’s condition limits her ability to do strenuous activities or exercise, as the symptoms of pushing her body too hard can be severe; those symptoms can include weezing, hives and throat swelling. With doctors struggling to find treatments to help Melissa’s condition, she has turned her attention to helping others and staying involved in her college community.
 
Melissa is currently the secretary for Hood’s SAAC/Spur organization, treasurer of the Red Cross Committee, secretary of the Business Investment Association, the sports editor for the Hood College student-run newspaper, and a member of PRSSA. On top of all that, Melissa has also helped to organize various events, including the Hood College Senior Athletic Banquet and Yards 4 Yeardley.
 
Now a junior, she looks back on her previous two years as a Blazer with fond memories, highlighted by being a two-year starter. But Melissa, whose condition is now affecting her ability to play the game, doesn’t let any of that stop her from being a leader on and off the diamond. She is there supporting her teammates at every game, practice, and team event being a role model and inspiration to all in the process. 
 

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