May 22, 2006

Garden City, N.Y. - Junior outfielder Dely Francisco (Haverstraw, N.Y.) was recognized in the April 6, 2006 issue of Diverse Issues in Higher Education as an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar.

Francisco is a physical education and health major who maintains a 3.91 grade point average. This season she helped the team to a 33-17 record and an NCAA Regional appearance. She also set a new single season school record with 21 stolen bases and was second on the team in batting average (.386) and runs scored (34). She was named a second-team All-NYCAC selection.

Diverse Issues in Higher Education established the Sports Scholars Awards to honor undergraduate students of color who have made achieving both academically and athletically a winning combination. Inspired by tennis legend Arthur Ashe Jr., the recipients must also exhibit academic excellence and community activism. More than 600 student-athletes were nominated for the annual Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award, which was established in 1995. To be included, students have to compete in an intercollegiate sport; maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2; and be active on their campuses or in their communities.