NJCAA Merit Award
First awarded in 1990, the Merit Award is given to a former NJCAA student-athlete that has distinguished themselves and are recognized nationally for their achievements in their profession. The Merit Award has been given to NJCAA alumni in various fields including professional sports, politics, and music. To view past Merit Award winners, visit: NJCAA Merit Award Recipients
Dr. Jen Fry - Arizona Western College, Sports Geographer, tech founder, TEDx speaker
Dr. Jen Fry has embodied the mission of the NJCAA. Through her hard work and dedication to her crafts, Fry has taken the opportunity to pursue her passions that stemmed from her time as an athlete.
Fry attended Arizona Western College in the late 1990's as a member of the volleyball team. Her impact on the court was immeasurable as she earned all-conference honors in 1999 as she helped lead the Matadors to a top 10 national ranking. Her playing career did not end at Arizona Western. She was a standout athlete at the University of Montevallo where she became and All-Gulf South Conference Performer while leading them to national notoriety with a top 25 ranking in NCAA Division II. Following her playing career, Fry spent over 15 years coaching at the collegiate level.
As a passionate and dedicated individual, Fry began working as a Sports Geographer and tech founder. She started JenFryTalks, an organizational change firm that sits at the intersection of conflict and culture. She focuses on the transformation of organizational dynamics by addressing how conflict and culture shape leadership and overall business outcomes.
Fry continued her focus on sports and business as she owns Coordle, a B2B tech company tackling youth sports travel chaos. The goal of the platform is to simplify travel and tournament logistics for parents, coaches and athletes.
"Jen Fry exemplifies an Arizona Western College student-athlete: strong, passionate and talented. We are enormously proud of all that Jen has accomplished since her time as a Matador. We look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the future," said Dr. Daniel Corr, President of Arizona Western.
For all 2025 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2024-25 NJCAA Award Winners
For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home