BALTIMORE, Md. (May 14, 2026)--Morgan State volleyball junior Tyrah Weems has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 Arthur Ashe Jr. Female Athlete of the Year, as announced by the EDU Ledger.
 
In addition, junior Alahni Napier was named this year's individual sport category winner in cheerleading.
 
"She is committed to improving every day, both on the court and in the classroom," said Morgan State head volleyball coach Xiomara Ortiz on Weems. "She takes on multiple leadership roles within student organizations and consistently gives back through community service. I'm incredibly proud of her and grateful she has the opportunity to be recognized for her impact beyond athletics."
 
Students named Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars must maintain at least 3.5 cumulative grade point average, be at least a sophomore academically, and participate in community service.
 
With over 900 scholar-athletes nominated, one male and one female athlete will be selected as Sports Scholar of the Year!
 
The Male and Female Sports Scholar of the Year will be announced prior to the June 4 edition.
 
The eight semifinalist (four males and four females) are as follows:
Male semifinalists:
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John's University (Basketball)
Quintin Lowe, Purdue University (Track/Cross Country)
Henry Ronnberg, St. Thomas Aquinas College (Tennis)
Isaiah Shirley, North Carolina State (Football)
 
Female semifinalists:
Winnie Chiang, University of Cincinnati (Golf)
Caroline Fredenburg, Auburn University (Equestrian)
Tyrah Weems, Morgan State University (Volleyball)
Alice Yu, Johns Hopkins University (Volleyball)
 
The winners from each sport category nominated (in alphabetical order by sport) are:
Colin Leslie, The College of Wooster, Baseball
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John's University, Basketball (M)
Kaya Mobley, Chestnut Hill College, Basketball (W)
Jillian Martin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bowling (W)
Alahni Napier, Morgan State University, Cheerleading
Sam Ford, University of Washington, Crew/Rowing (M)
Emma Tweed, College of the Holy Cross, Crew/Rowing (W)
Caroline Fredenburg, Auburn University, Equestrian (W)
Tatum Kroon, University of Louisville, Field Hockey
Isaiah Shirley, NC State University, Football (M)
Hiroshi Tai, Georgia Tech, Golf (M)
Winnie Chiang, University of Cincinnati, Golf (W)
Asher Cohen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Gymnastics (M)
Mary McDonough, University of Washington, Gymnastics (W)
Xavier Jean-Louis, Ferris State University, Ice Hockey (M)
Julian Jenkins, College of the Holy Cross, Lacrosse (M)
Helen Park, Arizona State University, Lacrosse (W)
Emma Rhode, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Rifle (W)
Ashley Campbell, University of Colorado Boulder, Skiing (W)
Julian Beban, College of the Holy Cross, Soccer (M)
Makaila Riedel, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Soccer (W)
Hailey Morrow, Brigham Young University, Softball
Jada Smith-Padmore, Hobart and William Smith College, Squash (W)
Callum Glover, The College of Wooster, Swimming & Diving (M)
Joleigh Crye, University of Cincinnati, Swimming & Diving (W)
Henry Ronnberg, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Tennis (M)
Erika Matsuda, University of Washington, Tennis (W)
Chanelle Russell, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Triathlon (W)
Quintin Lowe, Purdue University, Track/Cross Country (M)
Juliette Laracuente-Huebner, University of Cincinnati, Track/Cross Country (W)
Javon Scott, Union College of Union County, New Jersey, Volleyball (M)
Alice Yu, Johns Hopkins University, Volleyball (W)
Catherine Williamson, Siena University, Water Polo (W)
Cael Valencia, Arizona State University, Wrestling (M)
Ava Bayless, University of Iowa, Wrestling (W)
 
NFL Draft:
Six Ashe football scholars were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the Pittsburgh Steelers' first-round selection of Max Iheanachor from Arizona State University. Three others have already secured roster spots as undrafted free agents. See more here.

Top Conferences and Institutions: 
After a thorough review of this year's submissions, by institution and by conference, the group below stood out among the rest.  We looked at each group based on the following qualitative measures: community service, academic performance, athletic distinction, and consistency. These institutions and conferences stand out for sustained, systemic excellence and serve as benchmarks for collegiate achievement.
 
Top Six Schools (in alphabetical order):
Alabama State University
Brigham Young University
Johns Hopkins University
Morgan State University
University of California, Merced
University of Cincinnati
 
Top Six Conferences (in alphabetical order):
Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
Big Ten Conference
Big 12 Conference
Centennial Conference
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
 
 
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.