Clarissa Newton Selected for NCAA Degree- Completion Award

Former University of the District of Columbia women’s basketball player Clarissa Newton has been selected by the NCAA to receive a NCAA Division II Degree- Completion Award. Ms. Newton’s basketball eligibility expired at the end of the 2006-07 season, and this award will pay her tuition and fees for her final year of studies at UDC.

The purpose of the Division II Degree-Completion Award program is to provide financial assistance to deserving student-athletes with completion of a first baccalaureate degree.  Recipients are students who have exhausted their athletics eligibility and have received athletics financial aid.

The selection process for the national award emphasizes the academic performance of the student-athlete.  Other factors considered are financial circumstances, athletic achievement and involvement in campus and community activities.

Clarissa is a business management major who played two years for the Lady Firebirds.  The Albany, New York native plans to pursue a career in sports management.