GORHAM, Maine – Senior Jaequan Grant (East Granby, Conn.) of the University of Southern Maine Huskies men’s indoor and outdoor track & field teams has been named a 2022 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar-Athlete award winner, earning second team honors in men’s track & field.
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. Recipients from colleges and universities across the United States and across all NCAA Divisions nominate student-athletes on the basis of athletic ability, academic performance, and a commitment to community service and student leadership. Beginning the awards program in 2016, Grant is believed to be the first Little East Conference student-athlete to earn the accolade. He is one of four NCAA Division III student-athletes in the New England region to earn the award.
“Jaequan is a tremendous athlete and student, but is an even better person,” said Mike Keller, USM’s NCAA Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee. “This is an amazing honor for an exceptionally deserving individual. Since Jaequan made the decision to become a vocal leader on campus, his voice and perspective have been instrumental in several key initiatives. His work within his team, the athletic department and as a founding member of SADIE have been monumental.”