Olivet College student-athletes named Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholars

FAIRFAX, Va. – Olivet College seniors Jared Brickley, Isabelle Leon and Ayren Parrish, and sophomore Jamaul Martin were recognized by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education as a 2018 Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar for their dedication to academics and athletics.

To be considered for the award, minority student-athletes must have a 3.20 or higher cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale, be at least a sophomore, been an active member of an intercollegiate athletic team during the 2017-18 academic year, and demonstrate service to the campus or community.

Brickley is included in the list of wrestlers. He has a 3.25 cumulative GPA in criminal justice. A four-year letter winner on the wrestling team, he finished his Comet career with a 68-50 record, including an 18-8 mark as a senior. Off the mat, Brickley participated in community service projects in Olivet, as well as took part in Step Up for Down Syndrome and Relay for Life.

Leon is a first team selection on the women's soccer team. She carries a 3.94 cumulative GPA in criminal justice. On the field, Leon was a three-time All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) selection and was named the 2017 MIAA Most Valuable Player. Off the field, she served as secretary for the criminal justice honor society and vice president for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Leon also participated in community service projects in South Carolina, Tennessee and Louisiana. She also served as a summer camp counselor at Camp Barakel.

Parrish is a first team pick on the women's basketball team. She has a 3.72 cumulative GPA in exercise science. On the court, she was a four-year letter winner for the Comets. Parrish finished her career with 333 points, 120 rebounds, 95 assists and 73 steals in 58 games. Off the court, she was a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for three years, and served as a campus tour guide and Special Olympics buddy. Since 2011, Parrish was as an on-campus summer basketball camp volunteer.

Martin is a third team selection on the football team. He carries a 3.30 cumulative GPA in psychology. On the field, Martin had 44 carries for 143 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned a team-leading 19 kickoffs for 470 yards, including an 88-yard return for a touchdown. Off the field, Martin worked as a weekend tutor at Broad Street Church in Detroit, coaches and serves on board of directors for Young Legend Youth Basketball in Romulus, is a volunteer at Bartlett House (homeless shelter), serves as a K-12 tutor at Burma Center in Battle Creek and has participated in in weekend service trips.