2019
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
Khari Blasingame - Football
School: Vanderbilt University
Year: 2019
Major: Medicine, Health and Society
Male Sport Finalists
Grant Rivers - Track & Cross Country
School: North Carolina State University
Year: Graduate Student
Major: Communication
Sanil Thomas - Volleyball
School: The Ohio State University
Year: Senior
Major: Finance and Marketing
J.T. Escobar - Basketball
School: University of Northern Florida
Year: Senior
Major: Criminology
Female Sport Winners
Asia Seidt - Swimming & Diving
School: University of Kentucky
Year: 2019
Major: Kinesiology
Female Sport Finalists
Kendall Skuse - Lacrosse
School: Buffalo State College
Year: Senior
Major: Speech Language Pathology
Lauren Waller - Golf
School: Penn State University
Year: Senior
Major: Biology Behavioral Health
Stephanie Relova - Gymnastics
School: San José State University
Year: Senior
Major: Business Management
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.