Beating the Odds to Balance Studies and Sports,Collins Melly Narrates

At just 22 years old, Collins Melly is a shining example of resilience, passion, and discipline at Egerton University.

A Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and Technology student, Collins has achieved what many only dream of—playing for the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Volleyball Club and the national volleyball team, which he joined two years ago.

His talent became evident at Chewoyet High School, where he consistently won medals for excellence in both academics and sports, proving himself an all-rounded student with a bright future.

Despite his success, balancing high-level volleyball with the demands of a rigorous academic program has been no easy task.

Collins carefully crafts a daily schedule that allows him to juggle training and lectures, often making sacrifices to maintain his performance in both areas. “It hasn’t been easy,” he admits, “but having a strong support system has kept me motivated and grounded.”

For Collins, his teammates have become an extended family. Players like Dennis Omollo, known for his unwavering discipline, and Brian Kamonde, celebrated for his calm demeanor under pressure, continue to inspire him to push his limits. Their work ethic and mental strength have played a critical role in shaping his own approach to challenges both on and off the court.

Behind much of his growth is Coach James Ontere, who, from the beginning, emphasized more than just technical skills. “Coach Ontere instilled values like perseverance, discipline, and leadership,” Collins says. “He saw potential in me when I doubted myself and taught me to adapt quickly, even under pressure.”

Recognizing the challenges faced by student-athletes like Collins, Egerton University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage has pledged to support them by introducing flexible academic arrangements.

"I have realised that we have a number of students who do not come out so that we support them nurture their talents. I urge all students and staff to share their passion for
sports so that we support them," said Prof. Kibwage.
He emphasized that student-athletes would be allowed flexible timetabling when undertaking their Continuous Assessment Tests and end-of-semester examinations to ensure they thrive both in class and in their sporting careers. He was speaking in his office after the Director Marketing and Resource Mobilization Prof Nzula Kitaka identified this gap while interacting with students.