ANCASTER, ON -  Emily Walraven has been named the recipient of the Hamilton Sport Ray Lewis Youth Community Service Award. The Ray Lewis Community Service Sport Award is also presented in the adult category to an outstanding Hamilton athlete who has excelled in sport and has also made a significant contribution to the Hamilton sports community at the Annual Hamilton Sports Volunteer Appreciation Awards dinner.

The recipient of the Ray Lewis Youth Community Service Sport Award is not only a high-level athlete that has competed at the Provincial and National level but a true leader and gives back to others with their involvement and commitment volunteering in the sports community. This recipient must demonstrate respect for all, rising to the challenge and striving for excellence, playing fairly and honestly and giving back to others.

Emily exemplifies the spirit of the Ray Lewis Community Service Sport Award through her excellence in athletics, leadership, and service. A standout athlete at Redeemer University, Emily has earned numerous accolades, including Redeemer Women's Soccer Rookie of the Year (2022), OCAA Second Team All-Star (2023), and OCAA First Team All-Star and Team MVP (2024 & 2025), demonstrating consistent excellence and integrity on the field.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Emily's life is marked by a deep commitment to serving others and leading with humility. Her faith journey has shaped her into a role model who integrates sport and service, mentoring peers and leading Athlete Worship Nights to help student-athletes grow spiritually. She has served with Indwell, an affordable housing organization, where she provides meals and builds meaningful relationships with residents, and she recently travelled to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip, leading school classes and serving in local communities.

Through her athletic success, servant leadership, and dedication to giving back, Emily embodies respect, fairness, and the pursuit of excellence, qualities that make her an outstanding recipient of the Ray Lewis Community Service Sport Award.