POMONA--Three Richard Stockton student-athletes were recognized as Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars by the publication Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Abad Akhtar of the Stockton cross country and track & field teams, women’s tennis player Ana Estevez and pole vaulter Rachel Joseph received the honors.

Akhtar achieved USTFCCCA All-Atlantic Region status and qualified for the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships in 2009. The senior-to-be also won the NJAC indoor 5000-meter championship and finished second in the event at the NJAC outdoor track & field championships this year.  A Public Health major, Akhtar earned NJAC All-Academic nods in 2009 and 2010.

Estevez was a four-year letter winner in women’s tennis who posted records of 23-8 in singles and 35-19 in doubles. She went 14-3 in singles play and 11-6 in doubles matches during her senior season of 2009-10. Estevez, a Business major, was a three-time NJAC All-Academic Honorable Mention selection.

Joseph capped an outstanding career in the pole vault by tying for sixth at the 2010 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, earning All-American honors with her performance. She was a two-time NJAC outdoor champion in the pole vault as well as the NJAC indoor champ in 2009. Joseph, a Criminal Justice major, also qualified for NJAC All-Academic Honorable Mention kudos twice.

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education selected its 14th annual Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars “to honor undergraduates of color who have made achieving both academically and athletically a winning combination,” according to the magazine. To be nominated, student-athletes must have a grade point average of 3.20 or higher with a demonstrated record of service to the campus or community.