Two Loyola Marymount University student-athletes were recognized as Arthur Ashe Jr. Scholars for their academic achievements in their respective sports by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. For over a quarter of a century, the annual edition has recognized outstanding minority men and women who have distinguished themselves in their academic and athletic pursuits.
LMU beach volleyball’s Cassie Chinn and LMU golf’s Riley Lewis received the recognition as the winners for their individual sports.
Chinn, a junior, is in her fourth season competing for the three-time reigning West Coast Conference Champions and top-10 nationally ranked Lions. Lewis, also a junior, won the individual title at the WCC championships as a sophomore and is in his third season on the bluff.
“Being named an Arthur Ashe Jr. Scholar is definitely an honor,” said Chinn. “I have put in so much work on and off the court to get to where I am today, and this award recognizes that.”
In addition to earning recognition for their athletic abilities, students named Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars must maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, be at least a sophomore academically, and be active on their campuses or in their communities.
“I am very grateful to have the honor of winning this award,” Lewis said. “My parents raised me with a strong emphasis on academics, so opportunities like this give me the feeling that both their and my hard work have been paying off.”
Along with the individual sport categories, such as Chinn and Lewis, the Ashe edition names its male and female Sports Scholar of the Year.
“Winning this award shows that I have earned the respect and support of my community and that means the world to me,” Chinn added. “Being able to compete at such a high level while working towards a higher education is an opportunity that not many have, which is why I am extremely grateful.”
