July 14, 2010
NORMAL, Ill. -
Three Illinois State student-athletes received 2010 Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar awards, presented by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine. Women's basketball senior Ashleen Bracey, women's soccer senior Raquel Rattray and football sophomore Cliffton Gordon each earned the award that honors the academic and athletic achievements of collegiate student-athletes of color.
Inspired by the late tennis legend's commitment to education as well as his love of sports, the Arthur Ashe Sports Scholars program was established to honor undergraduate students of color who have made an impact both on the field and in the classroom. In order to be eligible for the award, student-athletes must participate in an intercollegiate sport, maintain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.2 and be active on their campuses or in their communities.
Bracey started all 36 games in Illinois State's second-consecutive WNIT Semifinal run last season, leading the team in scoring (14.7 ppg), rebounding (7.6 rpg), free throw percentage (.889) and steals (45). A First-Team All-Valley and Valley All-Defensive Team selection, Bracey was a four-time MVC Player of the Week. Bracey ended her Redbird career with a 3.42 cumulative GPA in criminal justice.
Rattray was named to the All-Valley First Team for the third-consecutive year as a senior, becoming just the fourth player in ISU history to achieve the feat. She started all 20 games and ranked fourth on the team with nine points, on three goals and three assists. A 2008 and 2009 Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar recipient, Rattray graduated with a 3.65 cumulative GPA in English.
Gordon appeared in all 11 games for the Redbirds last season, starting in three of them, and was the Redbirds' top-rusher with 150 carries for 572 yards. He also had a team-best eight touchdowns (seven rushing, one receiving). Gordon rushed for 96 yards and four touchdowns against Austin Peay, earning him the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week award. He holds a 3.19 cumulative GPA in business administration.
