Bridget Robinson
Staff Writer
Student athletes at Jackson State University were celebrated Friday outside the Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center as part of National Student Athlete Day.
National Student-Athlete Day recognized the accomplishments of student-athletes nationwide who excel in the classroom, on the playing fields and in their communities. The day was created by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) and the Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sport in Society, with partnership from the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations. NCAA involvement began in 1994.
Ekwara Ndongo, a senior basketball player from Chicago, Ill. majoring in entrepreneurship said, “Athlete day is the best thing that ever happened to off season sports. You can chill, have fun, and enjoy other student- athletes and just have a good time and socialize.”
The JSU athletic staff organized the event for many reasons, but all agree that Student-Athlete Day is a fun way to recognize and celebrate student-athletes from all sports.
Genese Lavalais, assistant director of athletics for academics, said, “Student-Athlete Day is to help celebrate our student-athletes. They do a tremendous job in academics and athletes throughout the year, and so we want to have a day to celebrate their success.”
She added: “Student-Athletics are a unique population in having to be great in both academics and athletics. We are appreciative of their dedication to excelling in academics and athletics, and those efforts are to be celebrated.”
Jackson State’s student athletes said they enjoyed the cookout, food, drinks, music, bounce house, dunk tank, and card games set up just for them.
Alisa Ross, a junior women’s basketball player from Jackson, Miss. majoring in therapeutic recreation said, “I just got out of the bounce house and I felt like a big kid. It was great! I’m glad we can just chill and have a good time, and just act stupid in a good way.”
Ariana Gardner, a sophomore soccer player from Greenwood, Miss. majoring in biology, said: “Athlete Day is great! There’s nice weather, the food is good, and I am very glad people appreciate us as athletes.”
Student athletes also credit the event as a great way to bring athletes together to enjoy time with one another and support their sporting accomplishments.
Ekwara Ndongo, a senior basketball player from Chicago, Ill. majoring in entrepreneurship said, “Athlete day is the best thing that ever happened to off season sports. You can chill, have fun, and enjoy other student- athletes and just have a good time and socialize.”
“I enjoyed being able to fellowship with other student-athletes, said Allison Hervey, a freshman softball player. “The event was amazing, and I look forward to next year’s festivities.
Ibrahim Hinds, a junior track and field and cross country runner from Barbados majoring in civil engineering said, “Athlete Day is to appreciate athletes and their efforts. It also relieves the pressure of the year and allows them to have a good time with one another.”
Mikayla Rolle, a sophomore volleyball player from Burlington, Ky. majoring in health and physical education said, “Athlete Day is a great day for all the athletes to get together and take a timeout from sports and every day activities. It’s just a good break. It’s a good break for us.”
Travis Ballard, an athletics academic counselor, added: “Student-Athlete Day is to appreciate student-athletes across Jackson State for all the efforts they put forth in the classroom, on the field, and court. This is about them, a day for them.”
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