CLEVELAND – Graduate middle blocker Nevaeh Bray has been announced as a winner of the 2026 McLendon Foundation scholarship. The scholarship aims to support aspiring leaders pursuing careers across the sports industry.
Bray's impact goes well beyond her contributions on the court. Bray works with Big Yard Foundation, which has set out to improve literacy and access to literature in disadvantaged communities. Academically, this year Bray was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for the second time in her career. Bray also earned WCC All-Academic honors for the second time in 2025.
Bray is also the president and founder of the Black Student-Athlete Group (BSA) at UP and Bray was named to the NACDA Fall Good Works Team. The honor recognizes 20 student-athletes from across the country who have made a significant impact through leadership, community service, and outreach.
On the floor, Bray led the Pilots in blocks (78) and blocks per set (0.84) in the 2025 season. Bray has played at UP for a total of four years and has suited up in 83 total games.
Established in 1999 and administered by NACDA, the McLendon Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of sports leaders. Through its scholarship and leadership programs, the Foundation provides educational resources, career opportunities, and a robust network to support aspiring professionals in the sports industry.
"These scholars are pursuing meaningful careers that will shape college athletics, professional sports, and the broader sports ecosystem for years to come," said Adrien Harraway, Executive Director of the McLendon Foundation. "We are proud to advance Coach McLendon's legacy by investing in the next generation of leaders."
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