University of West Alabama

Raya Cassidy, Jr., Basketball | Scholarship
Shoreview, Minn./Spring Lake Park
Raya Cassidy earned first-place honors in the novice division at the 2026 Midwest Undergraduate Data Analytics Competition (MinneMUDAC), hosted by St. Catherine University on October 17. Cassidy, an economics major, competed alongside teammates Amie Tran, Ella Brefo, and Fern Zegarra as part of a community-engaged learning course focused on environmental economics and policy. The team analyzed real-world data for Minnesota nonprofit The Food Group, developing insights and recommendations to address food insecurity. Their first-place finish highlighted their ability to apply classroom knowledge to meaningful community challenges.