Emory University rising seniors Josh Grand from men's soccer and Sydney Holden from women's track & field were recently named the 2025-26 recipients of the prestigious Sonny Carter Scholarship.
The award provides $25,000 toward senior year educational expenses. Applicants must have an outstanding academic record, demonstrated involvement and leadership in the community, moral qualities supporting the common good, and evidence that physical activity is a regular part of the applicant's life.
Grand has been an instrumental piece for the Eagles over his first three seasons, taking on a team captain position and leading the men's soccer team to back-to-back University Athletic Association championships. He was a Second Team All-UAA selection as both a sophomore and freshman before earning First Team kudos as a junior. He's compiled 10 goals and 15 assists through three campaigns and currently ranks 20th all-time with 0.29 assists per game. Additionally, Grand is a three-time UAA All-Academic team member and a two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree.
Away from the field, Josh is working to complete his double degree in International Studies and Politics and Philosophy & Law and has held numerous diplomacy and legal internship positions. Notably, he spent the summer of 2024 as a European Policy/Anti-Corruption/Public Diplomacy intern in Washington, DC where he participated in a range of high-level meetings with heads of state, foreign ministers, senators, ambassadors and civil society leaders. He also drafted legislation, briefings, public and private letters, and policy and decision memos for Chairman Cardin. Furthermore, he has volunteered with Soccer in the Streets which focuses on breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for Atlanta's youths through soccer.
Holden's time with the track & field program has been shaped by tremendous recovery as she worked her way back to competition after undergoing a femoral osteotomy which made her relearn how to walk. The process demonstrated grit, patience and resiliency as she became an USTFCCCA All-Region performer in the Distance Medley Relay this past indoor season. Holden, who has served as the President of Emory's Black Student Athlete Group, is also pursuing a double major as she works to complete her degrees in Human Health and Integrated Visual Arts. She has also acted as a Resident Assistant at Grady Trauma Center where she supported patients and families in moments of crisis. Furthermore, Sydney is a dedicated studio artist and avid surfer, using both spaces to keep her grounded, present, adaptable and mentally strong.
The Sonny Carter Scholarship memorializes former Emory soccer player, physician, test pilot, and astronaut: Manley Lanier "Sonny" Carter Jr., '69C, '73M. This merit-based scholarship was established by Mrs. Dana Carter, '70C, and Dr. David Short, '70C, along with other family and friends of Sonny Carter. The Sonny Carter Scholarship is awarded each year to an Emory College of Arts and Sciences student who demonstrates a commitment to developing his or her full human potential and who clearly strives to use his or her intellectual, physical, and moral qualities for the common good.
