FAIRFAX, Va. - Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine has announced its 2017 Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholars. Seven University of Dayton student-athletes have been named to Sports-Scholar rosters: Kristina Benjamin (tennis), Kendyll Brown (volleyball), Adria Butler (track and field), Liz DeNardo (rowing), Jackie Kawamoto (tennis), Jade Kawamoto (tennis) and Rosie Perez (rowing).

The Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar Awards was established to honor undergraduate students of color who best exemplify academic and athletic achievement. To be included, students have to compete in an intercollegiate sport, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or more, be at least a sophomore academically and be active on their campuses or in their communities.

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.