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
Paul Sime - Soccer

School: University of Kentucky
Year: 2017
Major: Political Science

Male Sport Finalists

BRAXTON-BERRIOS
Braxton Berrios - Football

School: University of Miami

JABARI
O’Terrius Jabari “O. J.” Howard - Football

School: The University of Alabama

TIM-CRAWLEY.
Tim Crawley - Football

School: San José State University

Female Sport Winners

NICOLE-EVANS
Nicole Evans - Softball

School: University of Illinois
Year: 2017
Major: Kinesiology

Female Sport Finalists

ALDILA-SUTJIADI
Aldila Sutjiadi - Tennis

School: University of Kentucky

LUCIA-POLO
Lucia Polo - Golf

School: University of Miami

GABRIELLE-BATISTA
Gabrielle Batista - Soccer

School: Molloy College

More About This Program:

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.