Taylor Bembery
Blue&White Flash/Variety Editor
Jackson State University student athletes, coaches, trainers, and administrators honored students for leading the way in athletics and academics. The Division of Athletics All Sports Awards Banquet was held on April 10 in the JSU Student Center Ballroom.
The main goal of the event was to recognize student athletes who excel in their sport as well as in academia.
The guest speaker of the banquet was Dr. Ambrosia Scott, a JSU alumna from Memphis, Tenn., who transferred to JSU on a volleyball /softball scholarship in 1999. She gained accolades through her matriculation at JSU, graduating at the top of her department with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0. She currently works at the MED Regional Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn. and is an adjunct professor at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas.
Scott said coming back to speak to student athletes was one of the highlights of 2013 for her. She shared her experiences and struggles as a student athlete to make it relatable and relevant to current student athletes.
“The life of student athlete for me at JSU was a wonderful experience, however I often found it hard to walk on campus as a regular student. I wondered who will I be? Would I be disciplined? Would I be focused? Determined or social,” said Scott.
She also talked about her journey.
“As a student athlete, I was challenged constantly; pre-season, during season and after season, classes, studying, traveling and performing well. It’s a wonder how I kept standing. I did it with God, support of my family, the coaching staff and preparation,” said Scott.
Stevie Booker, a junior environmental science major from Goodyear, Ariz., is a first year women’s golf player at JSU. Booker said that she enjoyed the guest speaker because she was relatable and current.
“I liked how she tied in working as a family with your team and really loving what you do by taking pride in the performance of your sport and doing well in academics,” said Booker.
After Scott’s speech, the awards ceremony followed. Selected student athletes were given awards to acknowledge their leadership skills, determination, and hard work, on and off the field and court. All first year student athletes were awarded certificates of appreciation. All second year student athletes were awarded letter J’s to be placed on a letterman jacket. All third year student athletes received a letterman jacket. All fourth year student athletes received a blanket.
Kesica Jayapalan, a junior entrepreneurship major from Coimbatore, India, is a third year women’s tennis player at JSU. Jayapalan said student athletes deserve to have a little bit more attention compared to traditional students.
“We are athletes but we are also students. To balance traveling, games, and class work is so hard but being recognized for persevering and performing well at events like this makes you want to keep doing well in your sport and in school. It’s just a good feeling that your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Jayapalan.
