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 Sport Winners
Ryan A. Evans - Basketball (M)
School: University of Wisconsin
Year: 2013
Major: Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
Male Sport Finalists
Twany E. Beckham - Basketball (M)
School: University of Kentucky
Year: 2013
Major: Communication
Laurence R. Bowers - Basketball (M)
School: University of Missouri
Year: 2013
Major: Health Education and Promotion
Joel J. Kight - Football
School: University of Mississippi
Year: 2013
Major: Journalism with Park & Rec Mgmt Minor
Javier N. Balboa - Gymnastics (M)
School: University of Iowa
Year: 2013
Major: Economics
German E. Decena - Football
School: William Paterson University
Year: 2013
Major: Sociology
Devin D. Hedgepeth - Football
School: Oklahoma State University
Year: 2013
Major: Industrial Engineering and Management
Christopher J. Burnette - Football
School: University of Georgia
Year: 2013
Major: Finance
Andrew J. Nunez - Baseball
School: Caldwell
Year: 2013
Major: Management
Female Sport Winners
Jessica N. Harlee - Basketball (W)
School: West Virginia University
Year: 2013
Major: Industrial Engineering
Female Sport Finalists
Ta’Kenya Nixon - Basketball (W)
School: Eastern Illinois University
Year: 2013
Major: Biological Science
Monique Weathers - Basketball (W)
School: Benedict College
Year: 2013
Major: Economics
Michelle Ikoma - Gymnastics (W)
School: University of North Carolina - Chapel HIll
Year: 2013
Major: Business Administration; Exercise and Sport Science
Shayla J. Bivins - Basketball (W)
School: Georgia Institute of Technology
Year: 2013
Major: Science, Technology, & Culture
Minami K. Yamamura - Gymnastics (W)
School: University of California, Davis
Year: 2013
Major: Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior
Kastine E. Evans - Basketball (W)
School: University of Kentucky
Year: 2013
Major: Business Management
Ifeatu I. Okafor - Track/Cross Country (W)
School: Texas Tech University
Year: 2013
Major: Physician Assistant Studies
Alexandra B. Couzo - Soccer (W)
School: Felician College
Year: 2013
Major: Biology-Physical Therapy
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.