2017
Diverse: Issues In Higher Education sponsors the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Awards to honor students of color who have excelled in the classroom as well as on the athletic field. Inspired by tennis legend Arthur Ashe, Jr.'s commitment to education as well as his love for the game of tennis, U.S. colleges and universities are invited to participate in this annual awards program by nominating their outstanding sports scholars. In addition to their athletic ability and academic performance, Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars demonstrate a commitment to community service and student leadership.
Male Sport Winners
Paul Sime - Soccer
School: University of Kentucky
Year: 2017
Major: Political Science
Male Sport Finalists
Braxton Berrios - Football
School: University of Miami
O’Terrius Jabari “O. J.” Howard - Football
School: The University of Alabama
Tim Crawley - Football
School: San José State University
Female Sport Winners
Nicole Evans - Softball
School: University of Illinois
Year: 2017
Major: Kinesiology
Female Sport Finalists
Aldila Sutjiadi - Tennis
School: University of Kentucky
Lucia Polo - Golf
School: University of Miami
Gabrielle Batista - Soccer
School: Molloy College
As the name denotes, the annual Ashe edition is part of the magazine’s quarter-century legacy of recognizing young, outstanding minority men and women who have distinguished themselves in their academic and athletic pursuits.
In addition to their athletic ability, students named Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5, be at least a sophomore academically and be active on their campuses or in their communities.