CLEVELAND – As student-athlete development professionals who work with students from all walks of life on a day-to-day basis, we often encounter extraordinary stories of individuals overcoming extreme adversities. Although the odds may be stacked against them, these individuals have a drive to succeed in the face of overwhelming challenges. It is working with these outstanding young people that makes the job of a student-athlete development professional so rewarding. 
 
In an effort to recognize and celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of these individuals, the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) will highlight one or more student-athletes each month for their determination to achieve success regardless of personal, academic and emotional challenges. These student-athletes are chosen from the pool of applicants for the Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award in the year prior. More information on Wilma Rudolph and her story can be found here. 
 
N4A is honored to recognize Norfolk State University student-athlete, Martha Bissah, as the January N4A Student-Athlete of the Month. 

Martha Bissah was born in New Aboi, Ghana, which has a population of approximately 2000 people. While growing up, Martha helped her mother work in order to provide basic needs for her family. She began running track and eventually was able to join Ghana's national team where she was very successful. However, due to issues with the Ghana Athletics Association, Martha was suspended from the team and has been unable to compete for her home country. Her dream was still to earn a track scholarship, but that became difficult because of NCAA eligibility concerns. Yet, Norfolk State did not give up on her. Martha earned a scholarship at Norfolk State and has not been back home to Ghana since. Being so far from her family has been tough, but her success on the track and in the classroom has made it all worth it and her mother very proud.   

About N4A: N4A, which has been in existence since 1975, is a diverse educational service and professional non-profit organization. Membership of N4A includes academic support and student services personnel who are committed to enhancing opportunities for academic, athletics and personal success for student-athletes. For more information on N4A, visit www.nfoura.org. N4A is administered by NACDA, which is in its 57th year. For more information on NACDA and the 17 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.