Clarksville, TN – Two Austin Peay State University track and field athletes recently were honored for their leadership efforts at the recent Hattie Walker Wilhoite Recognition Program for APSU African American Women as part of Women’s History Month.
Courtney Jordan, a senior who specializes in the respective throws for the Lady Govs track team, and Ashley Carson, a sophomore sprinter and hurdler, were recognized at the annual dinner sponsored by The Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center to recognize the African American female faculty/staff for their years of service at APSU and the exceptional work of African American female student leaders.
If it involves throwing an object for the Lady Govs track team, then look no further than Jordan. Prior to this season, the Millington native threw the shot put, discus and javelin for the Lady Govs. With the hammer throw being added as an event this season, Jordan has been the Lady Govs sole representative in the event, meaning she also holds the school record in the event.
Last season, she set a personal best in the javelin with a throw of 34.57 meters at the OVC championship. She already has beaten the mark after just two meets this season.
An agriculture major with a minor in Communication Arts, Jordan possesses a 3.5811 cumulative grade-point average. Upon graduating in May, she plans to pursue a master’s degree.
Jordan has been a five-time member of the Dean’s List (3.5 GPA or better) and is a two-time member of the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll (3.25 GPA or better for the year). She also has been an Academic All-America nominee.
Carson, meanwhile, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with a minor in Spanish and sociology. She owns a 3.54 GPA and was a member of the Athletics Director’s Honor Roll in the fall.
A Memphis native, Carson came to Austin Peay after serving more than two years in the Army as a chemical operations specialist. On the track, the sophomore competes in the hurdle events, both indoor and outdoor, as well as the sprints. In addition, she is a part of the Lady Govs 4×400-meter relay team.
Off the track, she is a member of the ROTC program but still finds time for campus activities such as the Govs’ Programming Council (GPC) and the local chapter of the NAACP.
