Cardinals Keep Earning Awards -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Shanahan and Pastor Named Arthur Ashe Jr. Scholars

The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Awards are named each year in the Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. The award is granted to minority athletes who excel in athletic and academic pursuits. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA, be at least a sophomore academically, and be active on campus or in the community. Louisville had three awardees this season, with two representatives from the women's athletics side: Matthias Schmid (MGolf), Brenna Shanahan (Lacrosse), and Mercedes Pastor (Field Hockey).

While the award is not limited to one player per sport in the country, the award is still a recognition of all of the effort that student-athletes put in on and off of the field. These types of awards should come as no surprise to Louisville fans, as UofL sports teams are regularly at or near the top in community service hours and consistently have players earn academic honors. To be able to support a program that supports its student-athletes such that they have the opportunities to achieve these things is something I don't take for granted. Some student-athletes are not supported in the same way and are expected to perform on the field for just the opportunity to excel in athletics later. Recognizing that these student-athletes are people that have goals and aspirations outside of sports is important as fans of college athletics.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

We're back again this week as with every week. Not so much sporting news this week, but we'll be sure to break down what we know. We'll also have another quiz, so we'll see if Jeff can get his first win of the season. Tune in to the live show at 11AM on the Cardinal Couple YouTube or check out the show anytime once the live broadcast ends. We'll be happy to have you join us as we continue to promote the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics.

Until next time, Go Cards!

-CH-