October 6th, 2020 | NEWS
The Sport Changes Life Foundation (SCLF) is thrilled to announce the Victory Scholar Program Class of 2021.
Entering its thirteenth year, the prestigious programme has awarded 156 American student – athletes a Victory Scholarship; a unique overseas experience to grow and develop while using sport as a tool for impact and change.
This year SCLF is awarding 17 deserving student – athletes from 15 US colleges the opportunity to become a Victory Scholar. In addition to studying, Victory Scholars will act as leaders in the local areas working with disadvantaged young people aiming to elevate aspirations and promote sports participation.
Looking ahead to the 2020/21 year is Sport Changes Life Foundation’s co-founder and C.E.O, Gareth Maguire:
“We are delighted to welcome a unique group to Ireland during these strange times. We pride ourselves on attracting the right balance of athlete, student and role model and we are once again immensely excited of the potential of this year’s class. Year on year the candidates become stronger and the potential for meaningful, sustained impact grows.
Our Foundation dedicates itself to raising the aspirations of young people. Whilst the pandemic proved to be an obstacle we soon realised that role models were an essential rather than a luxury. Sport has given back to our Scholars throughout their collegiate lives. Now, this group recognises more than ever that paying forward is the way forward. A truly warming concept!
What moved me was the response. During times of uncertainty and hesitation I was overwhelmed by the volume of applicants and all round enthusiasm of our class.
Despite the ambiguity and, at times, seemingly endless restrictions we had a class of young people who were eager to get to work. It is so gratifying to have your hopes for the group affirmed so early. We aim for likeminded people eager to deliver positivity and pursue change. Despite everything grinding to a halt around us we knew we had to persevere for the long term.
As the world seemingly dropped its shutters the provision of services and programs became increasingly scarce. The communities we work with are very much in need and the implications posed by COVID – 19 only exacerbated the need for support. I am so proud that during these dark times our Victory Scholar class will be the driving force behind community impact carrying our Foundation’s message throughout the year.”
Our full list of 2021 scholars are as follows:
| Shannon Ryan | UU | Ulster University | Saint Anselm College |
| Rachel Thompson | UU | Ulster University | Colgate University |
| Roxy Barahman | DCU | Dublin City University | Yale University |
| Jasmine James | DCU | Dublin City University | University of Memphis |
| Madeline Hasson | GCD | Griffith College Dublin | Bowdoin College |
| D’Jhai Patterson – Ricks | ITC | Institute of Technology Carlow | Canisius College |
| Nate Shafer | ITC | Institute of Technology Carlow | Swarthmore College |
| Alexa Middleton | CIT | Cork Institute of Technology | Monmouth University |
| Quinn Taylor | CIT | Cork Institute of Technology | St Peter’s University |
| Ian Sistare | LIT | Limerick Institute of Technology | Dartmouth College |
| Taylor Herd | LIT | Limerick Institute of Technology | Quinnipiac University |
| Jonathan Garcia | LIT | Limerick Institute of Technology | Dominican College |
| Sara Messler | NUIG | National University of Galway | Saint Anselm College |
| Amanda Oliver | NUIG | National University of Galway | St Bonaventure University |
| Kyle Stout | NUIG | National University of Galway | Lafayette College |
| Nyra Williams | LYIT | Letterkenny Institute of Technology | Virginia Commonwealth University |
| Ryan McTamney | LYIT | Letterkenny Institute of Technology | Ursinus College |
