HAMMOND - PRIDE (Positive Role-models Involved in the Development of Excellence), the Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lion basketball team's mentoring and support organization, has awarded a PRIDE Scholarship to Zevy Ivory, a senior biological sciences major from Shreveport who completed a stellar career as Lady Lion forward last spring.

The full scholarship provides Lady Lion basketball players with financial support for post sports eligibility coursework. Since its creation in 2007, the scholarship has awarded more than $14,000 to three student-athletes, who have all earned Southeastern undergraduate degrees. PRIDE funds the scholarship through fundraising efforts such as its annual Bunko for Basketball. The 2010 event, held May 8, and a related raffle of a Buddy 50cc scooter, raised $23,050 for the PRIDE Scholarship fund.

In her four seasons with the Lady Lions, Ivory was a member of two Southland Conference East Division championship teams and was a third team All-Southland selection in 2009-10. She finished her career as one of the school's career leaders in rebounds (537, 12th) and blocked shots (80, 4th).

“Without the PRIDE Scholarship I would not be able to finish my degree,” said Ivory, who hopes to become a physical therapist. Her PRIDE mentors Celene Short and Bobbie Carter “have been my mothers away from my mother,” she said. “It has been awesome having PRIDE in my life and I know I speak for myself and my teammates.”

Head Coach Lori Davis Jones and Assistant Coaches Eric Dumas and Brent Harris said PRIDE is unique in the Southland Conference and an invaluable recruiting tool.

In addition to the PRIDE Scholarship and the Bunko for Basketball fundraiser, PRIDE members serve as one-on-one role models and mentors for the Lady Lions players. PRIDE activities also include organizing and co-hosting the Lady Lions' annual Alumni Day, helping to market the team through “Spotlight Player of the Game” and player trading cards promotions, providing educational programs for players, and staging social events throughout year such as the Sweet Meet and Greet Social for new and returning Lady Lions, which will be held September 28.

Women interested in joining PRIDE are invited to meetings held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the University Center, room 104. Dues are $20 annually. For additional information on PRIDE and the PRIDE Scholarship contact Patsy Causey, 985-345-8133.