Two student-athletes receive Arthur Ashe Jr. sports award

Tafadzwa Chiridza 

Known for his great commitment to education as well as his passion for the game of tennis, Arthur Ashe Jr. was a pioneer and role model for young athletes to model after. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a nationally-read newsmagazine, sponsors the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Awards. The award recognizes and honors undergraduate students who have excelled in the classroom as well as on the athletic field.   

Two student-athletes from Grambling State University, Tafadzwa Chiridza of the Lady Tigers’ tennis team and Jonathan Wallace of  Tigers’ football team, were both nominated and received certificates of honor for their achievements. Initially nominated by Manager of Sports Medicine Vernita Young and members of the Grambling State University Department of Athletics personnel, both Chiridza and Wallace demonstrate a commitment to community service and student leadership.“The Athletic Department at GSU is thrilled to hear that  Tafadzwa Chirizda and Jonathan Wallace were awarded the Arthur Ashe Jr. certificates. Both were outstanding students in the classroom and epitomizes fair play and sportsmanship in every respect,” said Interim Athletic Director Obadiah Simmons.

“I had no idea that I had been nominated but I am extremely honored and grateful to receive this award under one of the most notable tennis players in history, Arthur Ashe,” said the Harare, Zimbabwe native. “It is indeed a grand honor to be recognized as one of the top sports-scholars in the entire country,” said Wallace of Rayville.