In this inspiring episode, we celebrate 2025 Arthur Ashe Jr. Female Sports Scholar of the Year Jaida Ross from the University of Oregon. This conversation explores her journey from a small Oregon town to the Olympic stage, highlighting her excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.

Jaida shares her path from discovering shot put in middle school to competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she finished fourth place, missing a medal by just inches. She reveals how she found her athletic calling in a sport that celebrated her body type and natural strength, contrasting with her earlier experiences in other sports. Beyond her athletic achievements, Jaida opens up about her commitment to community service—particularly her work with young people and mental health advocacy.

Tune in as this discussion with Diverse host Ralph Newell also touches on Jaida’s realities of being a student-athlete, the challenges of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals in track and field, and her memorable experiences in the Olympic Village. Don’t miss this–press play.

KEY POINTS:

-Jaida’s background growing up in Medford, Oregon, and her sports journey

- The role of mentors and her "village" of supporters—family, friends, coaches, and twin sister

- Her decision to stay at the University of Oregon throughout her collegiate career

- Balancing academics, athletics, and community service

- Making the 2024 U.S. Olympic team and her fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics

- Her experiences in the Olympic Village, meeting world record holders and other elite athletes

- The reality of NIL deals in track and field, particularly for throwers vs. more popular events

- Her transition to professional athletics (Nike sponsorship and Diamond League competition)

- Future career aspirations in social work, focusing on helping children in the community

- Her interests in music and guitar, being self-taught through Ed Sheeran’s YouTube videos

- Jaida’s advice to young and aspiring athletes

QUOTES:

“I just wanted to be an Olympian since I was a kid. That’s all I wanted.” – Jaida Ross

“I had so many different kinds of role models for all the different aspects of my life that if I can, if I can be that for one person, that's all I need. That's all I want to feel kind of that accomplishment for me.” – Jaida Ross

“The biggest part of the sport is finding passion and love for it, and everything else will fall into place. You just have to keep working hard, keep your love for it, and you will find a way to make everything happen.” – Jaida Ross

RESOURCES:

Diverse - Jaida Ross

The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar program is part of Diverse’s over 30-year legacy of recognizing young minority men and women who have distinguished themselves in their collegiate academic and athletic pursuits.

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In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).