August 15th, 2019 | NEWS
The prestigious program entering into its 12th year has previously awarded 134 American student athletes a Victory Scholarship. These NCAA student-athletes have completed a rigorous selection process ensuring they embody the values of the Victory Program, first designed by Co-Founder Professor Deirdre Brennan (Ulster University). This year the foundation is awarding 22 deserving student-athletes from 19 different US colleges – the opportunity to study for postgraduate qualification while acting as role models and mentors to young people in community outreach programs throughout Ireland in 2019-20. The new class of scholars will also receive the opportunity to continue playing competitive basketball overseas for clubs and universities across Ireland.
Sport Changes Life Foundation’s Co-Founder and C.E.O, Gareth Maguire, is looking forward to the incoming class arriving:
“Over the last 12 years we have seen the program grow from strength to strength, and we are confident that this class will have a lasting impact on the communities of Ireland. Ultimately, this is about working with local communities using sport and sporting role models as a catalyst for positive change. Last year our Victory class was comprised of 5,060 young people in their local communities creating 24,159 participation opportunities. This is a really exciting time of year and we look forward to welcoming another special group of young American men and women leaders to the Island of Ireland.”
The Victory Scholar Class of 2020
Kadeem Smithen, Ulster University – Siena College
Kyle Dixon, Ulster University – Marietta College
Kollyns Scarbrough, Ulster University – Sienna College
Lexi Posset, Ulster University – Rider University
Dana Di Renzo, Ulster University – St Francis College
Michael Grassey, Waterford IT – Hamilton College
Maria Palarino, Waterford IT – St Francis College
Brandon Berry, IT Sligo – Elizabethtown College
Carson Long, IT Sligo – Guilford College
Aryn McClure, Cork IT – Quinnipiac University
Peter Hoffmann, Cork IT – Hamilton College
Ashley Russell, DCU – University of Pennsylvania
Meredith Burkhall, DCU – Iowa State
Ian Morris, Limerick IT – Dickinson College
Summer King, Limerick IT – Colgate University
Reece Dupler, Limerick IT – College of Wooster
Kaitlyn Slagus, IT Carlow – Bucknell University
Duane Harper, IT Carlow – McDaniel College
Rebecca Carmody, NUI Galway – Binghampton University
Daniel Vila, NUI Galway – John Hopkins University
Karlee Alves, NUI Galway – Merrimack University
Morgan O’Donnell, Griffith College – Assumption College
