TAMPA, Fla. (March 21, 2016) – Senior women's tennis player Olga Martinez was named one of 20 semifinalists for the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award. The winner of the award will be announced at a luncheon on April 11 at the University of Richmond.

Each year Diverse: Issues In Higher Education invites every postsecondary institution in the country to participate in this awards program by nominating their outstanding sports scholars. In addition to their athletic ability, students named Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 and be active on their campuses or in their community.

A business marketing major, Martinez posted a 3.668 GPA in the fall of 2016 and has a 3.42 cumulative GPA.

She is a member of the Selmon Mentoring Institute, which is a career development and mentoring program for USF student-athletes. Martinez has volunteered with Paralympic sports, Hillsborough County's Great American Teach-In, USF's Stampede of Service, Feeding Tampa Bay, the Freddie Solomon Boys and Girls Club, USF's “A Day in Green and Gold” a department-wide service event, and Harrah's Hope Lodge (2015-16, Fall 2016).

While excelling in the classroom and community, Martinez has also seen success on the courts. In 2016, she was 10-8 in singles play and 10-9 in doubles. In 2014, she helped lead the team to an American Athletic Conference Championship.

Also nominated for the award for their academic excellence and community involvement was Marcus Wingate of football, and Estefanie Fuentes of women's soccer.

Be sure to follow USF women's tennis on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF women's tennis program returns all singles players from a squad that advanced to the championship match of the conference tournament. Head coach Cristina Moros will be in her second year at the helm of the program after leading USF to an impressive 17-7 season in 2016.

– #GoBulls –