FAIRFAX, Va.— Senior Lauren DeVaney of the William Smith College volleyball and basketball teams was named a semifinalist for the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar of the Year Award by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. This is her first recognition as a semifinalist after being named an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sport Scholar in 2020 and 2021. She is the only Division III nominee among the 10 women semifinalist.
 
The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar award is a decade-long tradition of recognizing outstanding, young minority men and women who have distinguished themselves in their academic and athletic pursuits. In addition to their athletic ability, students named Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars are students of color who have maintained at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, are at least sophomore standing and have been active on their campuses or in their community. Of the nearly 1,000 scholar-athletes nominated, one male and one female athlete will be selected as Sports Scholars of the Year.
 
A two-sport athlete, DeVaney excelled on both the volleyball and basketball court this season. In William Smith volleyball's inaugural season, she helped the Herons to a 16-6 record, clinching the third seed in the Liberty League Tournament. She appeared in 22 matches, posting impressive numbers including a career-high nine blocks against Hartwick.
 
"It's no surprise that Lauren is once again in consideration for this award," said Volleyball Head Coach Derryk Williams. "Lauren is a person of the highest character, work ethic and success both academically and athletically. Her drive to improve every day spoke volumes on who she is as a person and the amazing things she will accomplish in life. We are extremely proud of everything that Lauren continues to do and know that she deserves this award and so many more!"
 
DeVaney also excelled on the basketball court in her senior year. She posted a team-leading 12 double-doubles, while averaging 13.2 points per game as well as a league-leading 9.5 rebounds per game. She earned All-Liberty League second team honors after starting in 22 games and recording a league-leading .743 shooting percentage from the free throw line. DeVaney was fourth in the conference in steals with 38 and 18th in the conference in minutes played, averaging 28 minutes per game.
 
"Arthur Ashe said 'start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.' And I can't think of a better way to describe Lauren," said Basketball Head Coach Lindsay Sharman. "While she sets standards for herself and her teammates, what sets her apart is her follow through and commitment to achieving those high standards. It's rare to find a student-athlete with a strong moral compass, a tireless drive, AND the ability to build authentic relationships. This is what makes Lauren such an incredible leader and an excellent candidate for the Arthur Ashe Award. We don't always recognize legacy in the moment, but I have no doubt that Lauren's legacy will be felt in our program for years to come."
 
A mathematics and architectural studies major, DeVaney has shined academically in her four years at William Smith. She is a four-time Liberty League All-Academic selection, a two-time Academic All-District selection, as well as a two-time Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar honoree. She also received the Hazel Nettleship Hardy '65 Award in 2021-22.
 
Diverse: Issues In Higher Education will announce this year's finalists and winners from each sport category prior to its release of its annual special report edition, which is set to publish on April 27.