The first Mardak Scholarships were awarded to six collegiate handball players who are teaching handball at their universities. (Clockwise from top left:  Jasmine Richardson (University of Texas-Austin), David Frances (Arizona State University), Brooke Edwards (University of Texas-Austin), Esteban Camacho (Arizona State University), Jarod Jenson (Utah State University), Adrian Anderson (Minnesota State University, Mankato).

TUCSON — We strive to grow Handball and offer it to the next generation.  The Mardak Scholarships and Community Challenge utilizes our growing ranks of collegiate handball players along with mentor programs to introduce more players to the game.  The Community Challenge has matched funds to pay collegiate handball players to teach the game in their communities, and we’re proud to announce the first recipients of the Mardak Scholarships.

Mardak Scholarships are awarded to full-time college applicants who have taught handball through their community handball programs.  All applicants are required to be USHA Certified Level 1 Instructors.

Six student-instructors received $2,000 scholarships though the Mardak Scholarship program:  Jasmine Richardson and Brooke Edwards from Austin’s Lift up Kids program.  David Frances and Esteban Camacho from Arizona State’s Homework & Handball program.  Adrian Anderson through the Maverick Handball Club and Minnesota State, Mankato, and Jarod Jenson through the handball program at Utah State University.

It’s a truly exciting time to see growth in the sport throughout communities across the country!