Bayless Tabbed Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa women’s wrestler Ava Bayless was recognized as an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar for women’s wrestling, it was announced by The EDU Ledger.

Bayless is one of 35 students selected out of more than 900 nominated students, including being selected over all other women’s wrestling nominees across all levels of collegiate competition (D1, D2, D3, NAIA).

The edition is part of our decades-long tradition of recognizing outstanding young men and women who have distinguished themselves in their academic and athletic pursuits.

In addition to their athletic ability, those named 2026 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars have maintained at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, are at least sophomores academically, and participate in community service. 

Bayless, a native of Greenville, Pennsylvania, is a senior majoring in human physiology on the pre‑medicine track and a member of the UI Honors Program. She balances academic excellence with competing on the Iowa women’s wrestling team and serving in student‑athlete leadership roles at the campus and Big Ten levels.

Bayless also participates in global and community service, including teaching and coaching in Vietnam through Coach for College and becoming Iowa’s first Team IMPACT fellow. Her commitment to service, mentorship, and her teammates reflects her broad impact on the university community.