UC Merced Magazine | Volume XIX, Issue V

Work hard, waste no time, be consistent, be dedicated, and life will provide you with good things. — Jacqueline Azevedo

But there is more to her college life than just the pool. She is a resident assistant, is a part of Associated Students of UC Merced as a senator at-large, is a consistent volunteer for the Helping Hands Project, and participates in many other activities. Azevedo, a management and business economics major, also holds the highest GPA on the women’s water polo team. Her motto is “Work hard, waste no time, be consistent, be dedicated, and life will provide you with good things.” Azevedo recently earned national recognition as she was named a semi nalist for the 2024 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar of the Year award. Of nearly 600 student athletes nominated, only one will be named the winner. As a semi nalist, Azevedo is now one of just 10 female student athletes across the entire country in the running for the major award that has been won in the past by greats such as Olympic champions and gold medalists Kara Lawson and Simone Manuel. e award takes into account athletic and academic pursuits and being active on campus or in the community. Azevedo, who is also heavily involved in volunteering for

her Portuguese community back home, nails the criteria. e award will be announced later this spring. “Being named one of the semi nalists is an extraordinary accomplishment for anyone,” Azevedo said. “What makes this recognition special to me is the fact that as a rst-generation student who was raised by a single parent, it acknowledges my resilience, it validates the sacri ces that have been made in my life, it breaks down barriers, it celebrates my achievements and inspires my future success. It serves as a reminder of my journey this far. It motivates me to continue doing what I am doing in and out of the pool.” Azevedo also acknowledges her role models, mentors and those who help her keep going. “I am so thankful for my mom, sister, family, friends, teammates and coaches. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without their support,” Azevedo said. “ e opportunities are endless at UC Merced and I hope to continue my legacy into my fourth year and a er college as well.”

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UC MERCED MAGAZINE // ucmerced.edu