IRVING, Texas – Today, the Big 12 Conference has announced the launch of the Big 12 Beyond Borders program, set to debut in 2024. This two-year opportunity will immerse selected student-athletes in a variety of historical and cultural experiences in the U.S. and internationally.
 
This year’s Big 12 Beyond Borders program will take place in Washington D.C. from July 5 – 9 and will feature stops on Capitol Hill to meet with congressional members and senators, visits to multiple museums including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, along with a community service project at a local elementary school.
 
Each member institution has designated two student-athletes who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and character on and off the playing field.
 
“We created Big 12 Beyond Borders as a way to help develop our student-athletes into the global leaders of tomorrow. The program utilizes history, culture, engagement advocacy and giving back as a way to understand their connectedness and place in this world,” notes Jenn Hunter, JD, Chief Impact Officer at the Big 12. “With the skillsets our group of student-athlete leaders possess, their opportunities are endless.”
 
The full list of participating student-athletes can be found below.
 
Arizona
Maia Brown, Soccer
James Onanubosi, Track & Field
 
Arizona State
Arden Besecker, Beach Volleyball
C.J. Fite, Football
 
Baylor
Bella Fontleroy, Women’s Basketball
Matthew Klopfenstein, Football
 
BYU
Hailey Morrow, Softball
Sam Dawe, Football
 
UCF
Abby Schomers, Volleyball
Dwartney Wortham, Football
 
Cincinnati
Devon Cherry, Lacrosse
Brian Simms III, Football
 
Colorado
Avery Bolles, Volleyball
Arden Walker, Football
 
Houston
Paris Kimble, Track & Field
Parker Jenkins, Football
 
Iowa State
Rachel Joseph, Track & Field
Xavier Bruening, Wrestling
 
Kansas
Grace Zifcak, Swimming & Diving
Jordan Campbell, Track & Field
 
K-State
Symone Sims, Volleyball
Asa Newsom, Football
 
Oklahoma State
Caroline Dill, Soccer
Armstrong Nnodim, Football
 
TCU
Hallie Frist, Beach Volleyball
Destin Drummond, Track & Field
 
Texas Tech
Emeline Mangham, Cross Country/Track & Field
Jurrien Loftin, Football
 
Utah
Ashley West, Volleyball
Spencer Fano, Football
 
West Virginia
Jordan Harrison, Women’s Basketball
Johnny Williams IV, Football