NCAA Awards $10k Scholarship to ASU Doctoral PT Student!

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has awarded an academic scholarship to a student in Alabama State University’s acclaimed Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

 Zaria Maynard, who was also a standout member of ASU’s soccer team, received an NCAA 'Ethnic Minority and Women's Enhancement Scholarship' for the 2020-2021 academic year. The Raleigh, N.C., native earned her B.A. degree in Rehabilitation Services from ASU before entering the three-year DPT program. She will enter her third year in the program this fall.

As an undergraduate student-athlete at ASU, Maynard was the goal keeper for the Hornets’ soccer team, helping to secure the SWAC championship two years in a row.

"I experienced great joy and a sense of accomplishment and recognition when I learned that the NCAA had awarded me a $10,000 scholarship, which will help pay for my tuition and books during my senior year in my doctoral-level PT program at Alabama State. The University has kept me focused and motivated and that has helped make me who I am today," Maynard said in a phone interview.

WINNER IN CLASSROOM & ON SOCCER FIELD

One of Maynard’s faculty mentors is Dr. Carmela Drake, an assistant professor in Rehabilitation Services and a Faculty Athletic Representative who has watched Maynard mature as a winner both in the classroom and on the soccer field. 

"Zaria is a committed and persistent scholar and athlete who has been focused on being an outstanding PT student-scholar in the University's Physical Therapy graduate program," Drake said. "The NCAA scholarship that she won is awarded to a student who is committed to working in the field of athletics with their degree upon graduation. I am sure she will make us all very proud at whatever position she performs."

REACTION FROM ASU ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

ASU’s director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Jennifer Williams, said she believes that Maynard embodies what it means to be a scholar-athlete. 

"Zaria has represented ASU Athletics as a wonderful leader on the soccer team and has excelled in the classroom. She was the ideal candidate for our staff to recommend her for the scholarship," Williams said. "Zaria is extremely deserving of this award and will continue to represent ASU positively as she pursues her advanced degree. We are always focusing on a holistic approach for our student-athletes here at Alabama State and this is just one of those examples of that approach."

SHE CREDITS ASU FOR EXPOSING HER TO GREATNESS

A former ASU Golden Ambassador, Maynard said that her commitment to studying and playing hard has been her recipe for success. Once she graduates and becomes "Dr. Maynard," she wants to use her PT expertise to help college, high school and younger student-athletes to heal from injuries and stay healthy.

"Alabama State University has lifted me up as a student, athlete and as a member of its family by exposing me to professors and coaches who took the time to show me the care and love needed to believe in myself and excel in whatever I do," Maynard said. 

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