Truro, NS - Ritu Shah of the University of King’s College (UKC) Blue Devils has been named the 2023 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Badminton Player of the Year. In addition, Shah is one of three players named as 2023 CCAA Women’s Badminton All-Canadians.

The student-athletes were honoured at the 2023 CCAA Badminton National Championships, hosted by Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus (DAL AC) in Truro, Nova Scotia from March 8-11.

“It’s a rare talent that wins a Player of the Year award as a first-year athlete but then again, Ritu is not your typical first-year player,” said Michael Kopinak, CCAA Badminton Convenor. “She is ranked quite high in Women’s Doubles in Canada and went undefeated in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) this season.”

In her first year of eligibility, Shah had a perfect record in Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles, while leading the Blue Devils to a first-place finish in league play. At the ACAA Badminton Championships, Shah earned gold in Women’s Singles and led UKC to its fifth-consecutive banner in the team event.

Shah always plays fair and possesses wonderful qualities for a student-athlete who is so dominant on the court. She is a fantastic role model for young athletes, especially female players who are aspiring to improve.

“If I could choose anyone in the sport of badminton that I would want my 8-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son to learn from and aspire to become, it would be Ritu,” said Andrew Harding, ACAA Badminton Convenor. “She is fearless on the court, with a confidence that is unnerving to all her opponents.”

The CCAA Women’s Badminton Player of the Year receives a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA.