April 16, 2014 Article from GOBLUERAIDERS.COM

Trio of Raiders named Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars

Moraes, Parker and Rowe honored for academic achievement
@MTAthletics

photoThree Middle Tennessee student-athletes were tabbed 2014 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars on Wednesday, as announced by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. Nayara Moraes (women's tennis), Jordan Parker (football) and Ebony Rowe (women's basketball) were the Blue Raiders' three honorees.

The award recognizes student-athletes who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field and demonstrated a record of service to the campus or the community.

To be recognized, students must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or higher through the fall of 2013, completed one full academic year at the nominating institution, be enrolled for the fall term of the academic year being nominated, be an active member of an intercollegiate athletic team during the 2013-14 year and have a record of campus or community service. All three student-athletes earned a spot on the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar teams of their respective sports.

Moraes, a junior, holds 65 career wins, which ranks ninth in program history. She has amassed a team-best 22 overall victories this season and is 12-5 in singles action. As a Business Administration major, she boasts a 3.352 GPA.

Parker played in all 11 games and led the Blue Raiders with 745 rushing yards. He scored six touchdowns and added 14 receptions to lead all backs. The Lawrenceville, Ga., native has a 3.745 GPA as an undeclared major.

Wednesday's award adds on to the legacy for Rowe. She is a previous Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar recipient and was recently tabbed a Capital One Academic All-America Second Team honoree. Rowe was a Conference USA All-Academic, All-Conference and All-Tournament selection. A native of Lexington, Ky., Rowe was voted the league's Player of the Year and the C-USA Tournament Most Valuable Player. She was named the College Sports Madness High-Major Player of the Year and a First Team High-Major All-American.

After the completion of her illustrious career, Rowe holds 15 school records, which includes becoming MT's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Earlier this month, she was tabbed All-America Honorable Mention by the Associated Press and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Rowe is a Physics Major with a 3.74 GPA.