2020
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
Rodrigo Blankenship - Football
Female Winner
Raena Eldridge - Swimming and Diving
Male Semi-Finalists
Dontelius Ross - Basketball
Aaron Boyd - Swimming
Uriel Garcia - Soccer
Female Semi-Finalists
Chanel Thomas - Soccer
Aashaka Desai - Golf
Erica Ogwumike - Basketball
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.