USA Track & Field Foundation awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to 45 athletes

USA Track & Field Foundation awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to 45 athletes

INDIANAPOLIS – The USA Track & Field Foundation is reaching new heights in 2015 with a record $374,000 in financial support awarded to elite track & field athletes. The list is highlighted by the Stephen Schwarzman Endowment Grantees, many of whom are 2016 Rio Games medal contenders.  In all, the Foundation awarded 45 Elite Athlete Development Grants in the first round, announced Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld.

Jack Whitt

The Athlete Grant Program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track & field athletes. The USA Track & Field Foundation supports elite athletes as they strive to achieve their dream of competing in an Olympic Games, a World Championship or other Team USA competitions. The Foundation provides assistance to athletes that meet its grant application criteria, including income thresholds and performance standards.

“With the World Championships and the Olympics on the horizon our donors generously made available a record amount of dollars, allowing us to support more athletes than ever before,” exclaimed USATF Foundation Director Jack Wickens.

At the top of their class are the Stephen Schwarzman Endowment grantees that are recognized for their success on an international level and for having excellent potential to be in medal contention in the Rio Summer Games in 2016. The 10 athletes receiving this award are:

Alysia Montano $7,000
Brad Walker $7,000
Chanelle Price $7,000
DeeDee Trotter $7,000
Garrett Heath $7,000
Jeff Henderson $7,000
Kylie Hutson $7,000
Lashinda Demus $7,000
Mary Saxer $7,000
Morgan Uceny $7,000

 

The dedicated athletes to be awarded Elite Athlete Development Grants are the following 34 individuals:

Amanda Smock $4,000
Ashley Higginson $4,000
Barbara Nwaba $4,000
Becky Holliday $4,000
Briana Nelson $4,000
Chantae McMillan $4,000
Christopher Benard $4,000
Dustin Jonas $4,000
Erik Sowinski $4,000
Heather Miller $4,000
Jack Whitt $4,000
Jacquelyn Coward $4,000
Jasmin Stowers $4,000
Jeffrey Porter $4,000
Jeremy Taiwo $4,000
Jernail Hayes $4,000
Maggie Vessey $4,000
Mark Hollis $4,000
Michael Hartfield $4,000
Tiffany Williams $4,000
Tori Polk $4,000
Tyron Stewart $4,000
Bridget Franek $3,000
Don Cowart $3,000
Harun Abda $3,000
Jeffrey Eggleston $3,000
Kiani Profit $3,000
Kyle Merber $3,000
Latavia Thomas $3,000
Maya Pressley $3,000
Ray Stewart $3,000
Sara Vaughn $3,000
Troy Doris $3,000
Tynita Butts $3,000

Also receiving an Elite Athlete Development Grant is the first athlete to participate in USATF Foundation’s Adopt an Athlete Program.  Turquoise Thompson was recognized for her potential and has $10,000 in dedicated funds for support in her pursuit leading up to the next Olympic Games thanks to a generous donor.

Combined with Wednesday’s announcement of 23 John W. James Endowment grantees, the USA Track & Field Foundation has awarded a record total of $374,000 to 68 athletes thus far in 2015.

Additionally, these athletes will have the opportunity to appear at various elementary and middle schools across the country in the USA Track & Field Foundation’s Run With US! program.  In each Run With US! event, Olympic athletes coach students on track & field skills and exercise drills.  The program provides an opportunity for the elite athletes and Olympians to give back to their community.



The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging and experienced elite athletes, along with guidance on future career paths. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors, major gifts, and from generous fans of track & field.

Elite athletes are supported by the Foundation via monetary grants, career counseling (mentoring and jobs) and participation in Run With US!. Youth athletes are supported via monetary grants to youth clubs.

For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, Click Here or contact Tom Jackovic at (412) 398-2484 or tjackovic@usatffoundation.org.