Salawu named an Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar of the Year semifinalist

Senior defender Taj Salawu, a member of the Holy Cross men’s soccer team, has been named one of just 10 semifinalists for the 2023 Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar of the Year. The award is presented by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine.

“Balancing athletics and academics was one of the deciding factors for me going to college in the United States,” said Salawu. “I thoroughly enjoy doing both and I am glad to get some recognition for my academic efforts, which often go overlooked.”

Inspired by Ashe, Jr.’s commitment to education and excellence on the tennis court, the magazine invites every higher education institution in the country annually to nominate outstanding minority sports scholars. In addition to athletic ability, nominees must exhibit academic excellence and community activism. To be eligible, students have to compete in an intercollegiate sport, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, be at least a sophomore academically and be active on their campuses or in their communities.

Salawu was a key part of the Holy Cross back line for the last four years, serving as a team captain in both 2021 and 2022. During his senior season in 2022, he played in all 18 games with 12 starts and ranked seventh on the team with 1,228 minutes played. Salawu was a key part of a defense that posted three shutouts, in addition to recording three assists. Over the course of his collegiate career, he played in 54 career games for the Crusaders with 45 starts, totaling 4,031 minutes of action and tallying six assists. As a sophomore, he earned a spot on the All-Patriot League Tournament team.

In the classroom, Salawu owns a 3.72 cumulative grade point average with a major in Computer Science. He was previously named an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar during his sophomore and junior seasons, while earned Academic All-Patriot League honors as a senior. Salawu was also chosen Academic All-District twice and was a four-time selection to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

In addition to his athletic and academic accomplishments, Salawu is a member of Holy Cross’ Men of Color Athletes and a volunteer with Working for Worcester. He also served as a volunteer coach of a youth soccer team in his home country of England.

“Taj has always been able to balance his commitment to academics and athletics,” said head coach Marco Koolman. “He has utilized the resources and support of the Holy Cross community to maximize his college experience.”

2023 Arthur Ashe, Jr. Men’s Sports Scholar of the Year Semifinalists
Alvaro Alonso-Sanchez, Wabash, Tennis
Braelen Bridges, Georgia, Basketball
Kobe Brown, Missouri, Basketball
Elijah Green, North Carolina, Football
Chase Griffin, UCLA, Football
JoVoni Johnson-McCray, Rice, Football
Micaylon Moore, Nebraska, Track & Field
Taj Salawu, Holy Cross, Soccer
Reis Thomas, Wabash, Track & Field
Lyle Yost, Ohio State, Swimming & Diving

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