WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Former Monmouth University women's basketball forward Alexa Middleton '20 has been named to the 2020-21 Sport Changes Life Foundation (SCLF) Victory Scholar Program.
 
"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. 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."
 
Middleton will head to the Cork Institute of Technology in Cork, Ireland to study International Business.
 
She is one of four MAAC student-athletes to earn the prestigious honor, joining Canisius' D'Jhai Patterson-Ricks, Quinnipiac's Taylor Herd, and Quinn Taylor of Saint Peter's.
 
"We are proud and honored that Alexa has been chosen as part of the Sport Changes Life program," said Monmouth 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."
 
According to the Sport Changes Life website, scholars will continue playing or developing sport at all levels, work in the wider community with young people and gain valuable work experience through internships and mentoring with local businesses.
 
"The MAAC is proud to continue its partnership with Sport Changes Life and would like to congratulate D'Jhai, Alexa, Taylor and Quinn," said MAAC Commissioner Rich 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."
 
Student-athletes will develop a global view of the world as they foster strong leadership skills, character and business acumen through this valuable and multi-faceted 10 months on the island of Ireland.
 
SCLF Founder and CEO Gareth Maguire, via the SCLF Twitter account, added "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."  
 
A total of 17 student-athletes, six male and 11 female, from 16 different institutions, were chosen as recipients. These student-athletes will get the opportunity to work toward a postgraduate degree, while acting as role models and mentors through youth community outreach programs in Ireland. The 2021 class is the 13th in the history of the SCLF, who has awarded scholarships to over 140 American student-athletes.