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Arthur Ashe Scholars

Eight student-athletes honored as Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars

Eight Connecticut College student-athletes have been honored as 2016 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars by Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine. The honor recognizes undergraduate students of color who have achieved academic and athletic success.

Ajami Gikandi ’16, Alex Hernandez ’17, Aneeka Kalia ’16, Natalie Wenigmann ’17, Lauren Bishop ’17, Michelle Medina ’18, Nicole Medina ’18 and Shaniqua Shaw ’18 were all named to the squad.

Inspired by tennis legend Arthur Ashe Jr.’s commitment to education, as well as his love for the game of tennis, Diverse Issues in Higher Education invites every college and university in the country to participate in this annual awards program by nominating their outstanding student-athletes. In addition to their athletic ability, Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars must exhibit academic excellence and community activism. To be honored, students must compete in an intercollegiate sport, maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2, and be active on their campuses or in their communities.

Gikandi, Ajami hs

Ajami Gikandi ’16, men’s soccer

Gikandi was the defensive captain for the men’s soccer team that advanced into the semifinal round of the NESCAC Championship tournament for the second consecutive year.

Gikandi, who hails from Princeton, N.J., is majoring in biology.

“I am extremely proud of Ajami to be recognized for the third straight year,” Men’s Soccer Head Coach Kenny Murphy said. “Ajami is an intelligent, conscientious student-athlete who embodies the mission of Connecticut College and the standards of this prestigious award.”

Hernandez, Alex hs

Alejandro Hernandez ’17, men’s cross country and track & field

Hernandez is a three-sport athlete competing in cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field. The computer science major from Miami, Fla., set a personal record in the 10,000-meter at the New England Division III Championship, ranking 10th on the program's all-time performance list with a time of 32:45.18.

"Alejandro is one the hardest working athletes on our team, and every day he embodies the quality of character and gentlemanly traits exhibited by the great sportsman Arthur Ashe," Head Men’s Cross Country and Assistant Head Coach of Track & Field Jim Butler said.

This is third consecutive year Hernandez was named an Arthur Ashe Scholar.

Kalia, Aneeka cmyk

Aneeka Kalia ’16, women’s tennis

Kalia was a major contributor for the women's tennis team that posted its first winning season since 2007. She is a Fellow in the Office of Career and Professional Development and a member of the Women's Empowerment Initiative at the College.

An English and self-designed South Asian studies major, she hails from Southborough, Mass.

13_NWenigmann

Natalie Wenigmann ’17, women’s field hockey

A French and international relations major from Wilmington, Del., Wenigmann is a key member of the defense for the Camels field hockey squad. She is also involved in the local community, joining fellow teammates this winter in the Penguin Plunge which benefitted the Special Olympics of Southeastern Connecticut.

“She is an excellent representative for our field hockey program—on and off the field, in and outside of our campus community,” said Field Hockey Head Coach Chrissy Needham. “I am proud to have Natalie as part of our team and congratulate her on earning this award for the second straight year."

Bishop, Lauren hs

Lauren Bishop ’17, women’s ice hockey

A junior forward on the women's hockey team, Bishop netted the game-winning goal in a key conference win over Trinity College in January and helped the program secure its first home postseason victory against Hamilton College in February.

“Lauren has had a big role in the success of our team this year,” said Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach Kristin Steele. “We are very proud that Lauren is receiving this honor. It is well-earned.”

Shaw, Shaniqua HS cropped

Shaniqua Shaw ’18, women’s basketball

Shaw was a valuable contributor to the Camels front court this season, playing valuable minutes for a team finished 17-7 and hosted its first home playoff game in program history.

“She embodies the qualities of a true student-athlete and we are thrilled that Diverse Issues in Higher Education has recognized her accomplishments in the classroom and on the court,” said Women’s Basketball Head Coach Brian Wilson.

Michelle and Nicole Medina ’18, women's soccer

The twins from Hartford, Conn., have had an immediate impact on the women's soccer program, helping lead the team to the College's first NESCAC crown in 2014 and a program record 16 wins.

“The Medina twins are leaders in the classroom and on the pitch," said Women's Soccer Head Coach Norm Riker. "They set an excellent example of what it means to be a student-athlete at Connecticut College."

June 14, 2016

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