Meet the 2020 RecSports Scholarship Recipients

Over 900 students fill 70 positions that contribute to RecSports’ overall mission of advancing the well-being of Longhorns by providing education through recreation. Thanks to the generous contributions of former employees and participants, Recreational Sports is able to annually award $35,000 in scholarships to exemplary student employees.

Each of the recipients this year have demonstrated outstanding leadership and vision that exceed the expectations of their job performance. Meet this year’s 17 student employees who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions.

Jasmine Lara

Mark L. Hart, Jr. Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Junior, Applied Movement Science
At RecSports: Gregory Gym Building Coordinator and Program Assistant
Beyond Team RecSports: UT Kinesiology Club, Longhorn Run Influencer
Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas

“Every time I walk into the facility, I am prepared to go above and beyond to provide the best experience for patrons and help the facility run as smoothly as possible. While my time at RecSports has not yet finished, I feel like I have made an impact on my team and provided the tools necessary for them to flourish and continue to grow.”

What others have to say about Jasmine: “What’s the old saying, ‘They don’t make them like this anymore’? This is the most accurate way to describe Jasmine! She shows passion for all that she is involved in, at school and at work. Her impact on RecSports and the GRE(at) team is unmatched.” — Hannah Covington, Assistant Director for Gregory Gym

Jewels Campbell

Mark L. Hart, Jr. Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Senior, Accounting
At RecSports: Accounting Assistant
Beyond Team RecSports: Member and Treasurer for Texas Infinites
Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas
After Graduation: Jewels will be interning with PricewaterhouseCoopers this summer and will return to campus in the fall to earn her Master in Professional Accounting.

“My time as Accounting Assistant has helped me develop and strengthen several skills, like critical thinking that will better prepare me for a successful future in all aspects of life.”

What others have to say about Jewels: “Her contributions to our work proves what we already knew: she is a strong team player and a true example of excellence.” — Jennifer Morris, Administrative Associate

Nathan Ha

Thomas W. Dison Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Junior, Kinesiology- Physical Culture and Sports
At RecSports: Intramural Sports Official, Supervisor, and Program Assistant
Beyond Team RecSports: University Leadership Network, Discovery Scholars Program Mentor
Hometown: Houston, Texas

“I always thought I was going to do engineering, but I changed my career path from engineering to campus recreation because of how much I’ve grown as a person through campus recreation.”

What others have to say about Nathan: “Nathan has been at the forefront of moving our mission of educating students outside of the classroom forward. His dedication to the Intramural Sports program is seen in all aspects of his daily life.” — Joe Wise, Assistant Director for Intramural Sports

Shireen Toubbeh

Thomas W. Dison Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Senior, Biomedical Engineering
At RecSports: Intramural Sports Official and Sport Manager
Beyond Team RecSports: Research Assistant in the Cosgriff-Hernandez Lab and Health Science Camp Mentor at Dell Medical School
Hometown: Abu Dhabi, UAE

“Our coworkers and intramural participants rely on us to make decisions and move forward when unexpected events take place like player injuries or weather delays. Being an employee at RecSports has equipped me with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that I can carry with me to any career path. My time at RecSports has also taught me to work with diverse groups of people from all kinds of backgrounds to achieve a common goal.”

What others have to say about Shireen: “Shireen has been the true definition of a team player in our program since day one. When she’s not in the lab developing tough hydrogel coatings for cardiovascular biomaterials, then she’s at work fostering an environment of learning and development.” — Joe Wise, Assistant Director for Intramural Sports

Dominic Anaya

John M. Childs Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Senior, Communication Sciences and Disorders — Speech Language Pathology
At RecSports: Intramural Sports Official and Program Assistant
Beyond Team RecSports: Lang Stuttering Institute Research Assistant/Student Clinician and Gateway Scholars Mentor.
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
After Graduation: Dominic will be pursuing a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology.

“When I was a freshman, I remember seeking stability and leadership to go along with my academic studies. RecSports provided me with both and more than I could ever imagine. I’ve met countless friends and made memories that will last a lifetime. I’ve been the beneficiary of great leadership that believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself quite yet.”

What others have to say about Dominic: “Professionalism is what comes to mind when reflecting on Dominic. His attitude and leadership has been the pillar that has held up our program over the last few years.” — Joe Wise, Assistant Director for Intramural Sports

Joshua Champion

Acacia Fraternity Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Junior, Economics
At RecSports: Recreational Sports Center Building Coordinator and Program Assistant
Beyond Team RecSports: Founder and Organizer of The Darren Loh Cup
Hometown: Singapore

“RecSports has provided me with a community of close friends that have made me feel more comfortable in Austin.”

What others have to say about Joshua: “Josh is one of those employees you are excited to have on shift! He always has a smile on his face, is thoughtful and works hard. He has taken on the Program Assistant role with pride and ownership. I am so thankful that RecSports is lucky enough to have another year with him!” —Erin Wells, Associate Director for Facility Operations

Mario Valdiviezo

Sylvie and Gary Crum Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Senior, Economics
At RecSports: Outdoor Satellites Building Coordinator
Beyond Team RecSports: Texas Men of Excellence, Association for Latino Professionals of America
Hometown: El Paso, Texas

“My time at RecSports has taught me to carry myself with integrity, helped me be a leader, and helped me manage my time more wisely. I am proud to have worked all this time at RecSports, I know it has changed me for the better, and it has taught me things that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

What others have to say about Mario: “Mario brings both a confidence and a sense of humor to our team that is refreshing and allows him to build strong connections with his teammates. Our OutFIELDer team is stronger because of his leadership.” — Ross Rodriguez, Senior Assistant Director for Facility Operations

Joshua Thias

Delta Tau Delta Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Senior, Electrical & Computer Engineering
At RecSports: Aquatic Instructor, Head Lifeguard, Safety Education Instructor
Beyond Team RecSports: Texas Exes Leadership Team, Beta Upsilon Chi Alpha Chapter Fraternity
Hometown: Dallas, Texas

“‘I’m so grateful for all of the resources and guidance I have received throughout my two years of working as a Recreational Sports employee and I look forward to continuing to work to spread education through recreation in all that I do.”

What others have to say about Joshua: “Josh is an amazing student who always goes above and beyond! From early morning aquatic shifts to CPR and Lifeguard classes, Josh did it all and we cannot thank him enough. His hard work and dedication will last long beyond his years at RecSports!” — Samantha Caufield, Assistant Director for Aquatics

Caitlyn Cottrell

Kenneth Ford Family Scholarship

In the classroom: Senior, Applied Movement Science
At RecSports: Gregory Gym Building Coordinator and Program Assistant
Beyond Team RecSports: Occupational Therapy Society, Texas Royals, Texas Kinesiology Club
Hometown: Mission, Texas
After Graduation: Caitlyn plans to pursue a Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy.

“My time at RecSports has taught me that I can be a leader, work with others and problem solve during fast paced situations. Hands down the best decision I made as soon as I got to UT as a freshman. I am so grateful for the family I’ve made there.”

What others have to say about Caitlyn: “Caitlyn is one of the most enthusiastic, positive individuals I’ve ever encountered. She is so passionate about her position with Recreational Sports, her school work, her internships, and her future career goals.” — Hannah Covington, Assistant Director for Gregory Gym

Arnold Icaro

Bill Frisbie Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Junior, Accounting
At RecSports: Accounting Assistant
Beyond Team RecSports: The Guides of Texas, Asian Business Students Association, Camp Texas Counselor
Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas

“This scholarship will help ease my financial burden so that I can focus less on how to pay for my education and focus more on the education.”

What others have to say about Arnold: “We appreciate Arnold for more than just his precise and detail-oriented work. Arnold is valued for his character and the positive effect he has on others.” — Jennifer Morris, Administrative Associate

Hemali Patel

Phi Gamma Delta Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Junior, Psychology
At RecSports: Intramural Official
Beyond Team RecSports: Seva Charities, BAPS Charities
Hometown: Houston, Texas

“Working at RecSports has taught me teamwork and what it means to be a leader. My experiences at RecSports have taught me how to develop professional skills that I can use in my future.”

What others have to say about Hemali: “An official has a tough job having to manage participants’ concerns and competitive spirit. Hemali has been able to demonstrate the level of professionalism needed to handle this task and excel at it as well.” — Joe Wise, Assistant Director for Intramural Sports

Nathan Wu

Recreational Sports Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Senior, Health and Society
At RecSports: Outdoor Recreation Program Assistant and Climbing Wall Supervisor
Beyond Team RecSports: Texas Rock Climbing, Counseling and Mental Health Center Peer Educator, Sanger Learning Center Peer-Led Undergraduate Studying Facilitator
Hometown: Frisco, Texas

“I had come to my role at the Climbing Wall expecting not much more than scanning people in and supervising wall safety; now I am leaving with a renewed sense of accomplishment as a leader figure in someone’s life. My job was meant to supervise others exercising; for me, it became an exercise in leadership.”

What others have to say about Nathan: “As a route setter at the Climbing Wall, Nathan utilizes proficient climbing skills to create challenging routes for participants. He also contributes timely insights and a clever sense of humor to the Outdoor Recreation program.” — Dixon Hankins, Associate Director for Outdoor Recreation

Erica Barnett

Robert G. Childress Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Senior, Biology
At RecSports: Intramural Sports Official and Program Assistant
Beyond Team RecSports: UTeach Peer Mentor
Hometown: Victoria, Texas

“My time at RecSports has allowed me to create lifelong friendships. I’ve also learned how to collaborate with others to solve problems and remain calm in the face of adversity, both of which I can take with me into the working world upon graduation.”

What others have to say about Erica: “Despite a heavy academic workload, Erica has never wavered in her dedication to the program. She excels at everything she does and has been one of the finest students we’ve had on staff.” — Joe Wise, Assistant Director for Intramural Sports

Dana Bruhis

Susan and Mark Baletka Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Junior, Environmental Science
At RecSports: Outdoor Recreation Program Assistant, Adventure Trip Guide and Outdoor Center Equipment Manager
Beyond Team RecSports: Texas 4000, Texas Triathlon, Longhorn Stream Team
Hometown: Austin, Texas

“My time at RecSports has allowed me to work with people from all different types of backgrounds, and also develop my passion for the outdoors. I’ve also understood compassion by learning that the different personalities and experiences that people contribute can provide balance in group dynamics. RecSports has provided me with a lot of support and growth in my life, and I’m grateful to be a part of this community.”

What others have to say about Dana: “Dana brings unwavering positive energy and a passion for numerous outdoor pursuits to the Outdoor Recreation program. She creates a welcoming and fun environment for all of our participants and staff.” —Dixon Hankins, Associate Director for Outdoor Recreation

Madison Moeller

Charles & Carolyn Spence, James & Kathryn (Spence) Nance, and William (Spence) & Edith Nance Endowed Scholarship Honoring Michael Monsoor

In the classroom: Junior, Neuroscience
At RecSports: Gregory Gym Building Coordinator
Beyond Team RecSports: Texas 4000, Texas Triathlon, Longhorn Stream Team
Hometown: Moulton, Texas

“As a new Activity Supervisor, I looked up to the Building Coordinators. They held status, dependability, responsibility, and knowledge. I only had a vision that one day I would be able to work my way up and be a responsible Building Coordinator like them. It’s now a reality that I am Building Coordinator and share my knowledge as a role model to new Activity Supervisors. It’s a reality that I am building my leadership skills through a job that has prepared me for the work force. It’s a reality that I am a leader, and I am proud I have chosen Recreational Sports.”

What others have to say about Madison: “Madison is the true definition of humble and hard working. Her passion for giving back to others, both in the Longhorn community and in her hometown is inspiring.” — Hannah Covington, Assistant Director for Gregory Gym

Isabel Salazar

DeDe and Joe Bill Watkins Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Senior, Nutrition
At RecSports: Gregory Gym Building Coordinator
Beyond Team RecSports: Texas Nutrition, Global Medical Training
Hometown: Austin, Texas

“When I come to work, I know that in any situation I face that day, any question or concern, I know that my co-workers and staff will have my back. I’m so grateful to everyone in the RecSports community who helped me to become a better leader, a better team member, and a better person.”

What others have to say about Isabel: “There is no doubt in my mind that Isa wants to make the world a better place. Her work at GRE is evidence of that. She has made a tremendous impact on the RecSports and GRE(at) team.” — Hannah Covington, Assistant Director for Gregory Gym

Miguel Rios Aguirre

Bill Patman Endowed Scholarship

In the classroom: Senior, Finance
At RecSports: Gregory Gym Building Coordinator
Beyond Team RecSports: Longhorn Salsa, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Association of Mexican Americans at The University of Texas at Austin.
Hometown: Saltillo, Mexico

“I feel that Gregory Gym provides an environment in which anyone can improve the small details that allow us to become better professionals.”

What others have to say about Miguel: “Miguel has served RecSports and the GRE(at) team for several years — his hard work and willingness to help is unparalleled” — Hannah Covington, Assistant Director for Gregory Gym

To learn more about the RecSports Scholarship Program, visit utrecsports.org/scholarships.