The former Monmouth women’s basketball star Alexa Middleton was recently awarded incredible off the court honors when she named to the 2020-21 Sport Changes Life Foundation (SCLF) Victory Scholar Program in late September.
“We are proud and honored that Alexa has been chosen as part of the Sport Changes Life program,” said Monmouth women’s basketball head coach Jody Craig. “She was a great leader for us at Monmouth, and I’m sure she will be a tremendous mentor in these challenging times.”
As a senior last season, Middleton was second on the team in scoring averaging 9.3 points per game. She also led the team in rebounds with 8.1 per game, blocks with 32 and double-doubles with eight. She finished off her senior season earning remarkable All-Conference honors as a member of the 2019-2020 MAAC All-Tournament Team.
Middleton joins fellow Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) athletes D’Jhai Patterson-Ricks of Canisius, Taylor Herd of Quinnipiac and Quinn Taylor of Saint Peter’s. There was a total of 17 athletes selected with six males and 11 females from 16 different schools.
MAAC commissioner Rich Ensor commented on these honors that four MAAC student-athletes received. “The MAAC is proud to continue its partnership with Sport Changes Life and would like to congratulate D’Jhai, Alexa, Taylor and Quinn,” said Ensor. “The Victory Scholars Program selected four very deserving student-athletes, and the MAAC wishes them nothing but the best as they complete their graduate studies and teach young people the value of sports and academics.”
Middleton will now continue her strong leadership qualities transitioning from on the court to off of it as a member of the Victory Scholar Program.
The program will allow scholars to continue to play and develop their sport with a community of youth players who gain work experience through internships and mentorship with local businesses. Middleton specifically will be heading to Ireland to study International Business at the Cork Institute of Technology.“I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a Victory Scholar for the upcoming school year,” said Middleton. “I can’t be more appreciative to Monmouth for challenging me to be a better player, student, and person overall.”
“Monmouth was a great experience in my life,” said Middleton. “From the different professors, teammates, and coaches that I encountered during my four years, I’ve been shaped into a young woman who can persevere through the upcoming challenges that life has to offer.”
The experience Middleton had at Monmouth University will prepare her for a bright future of leadership and character that reflects her honor with the Sports Changes Life Foundation. These student-athletes who were selected will spend 10 months in Ireland developing these skills through a business experience with a global view of the world.
The founder and CEO of the foundation Gareth Maguire was quoted speaking about the program and what they hope to achiever during this difficult time. “Amidst the uncertainty of COVID-19, we feel young people need direction and leadership now more than ever, and we are immensely proud to welcome such a unique group to our SCL family” said Maguire.
Middleton will now endure her journey as a role model towards her postgraduate degree along with the rest of the 2021 SCLF class with the help of outreach programs.
PHOTOs COURTESY of Monmouth Athletics
