2013
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 Winner
Ryan A. Evans - Basketball
Female Winner
Jessica N. Harlee - Basketball
Male Semi-Finalists
Twany E. Beckham - Basketball
Laurence R. Bowers - Basketball
Joel J. Kight - Football
Javier N. Balboa - Gymnastics
German E. Decena - Football
Devin D. Hedgepeth - Football
Christopher J. Burnette - Football
Andrew J. Nunez - Baseball
Female Semi-Finalists
Ta’Kenya Nixon - Basketball
Monique Weathers - Basketball
Michelle Ikoma - Gymnastics
Shayla J. Bivins - Basketball
Minami K. Yamamura - Gymnastics
Kastine E. Evans - Basketball
Ifeatu I. Okafor - Track/Cross Country
Alexandra B. Couzo - Soccer
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.