DURHAM, N.C. – NCCU Athletics has announced its recipient of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina's (Blue Cross NC) Finish Line Scholarship, benefiting a senior student-athlete at North Carolina Central University.
 
Senior softball catcher Hailey Batista (Mebane, N.C.) was selected as this year's recipient.
 
"Batista has worked so hard on and off of the field throughout her time here at NCCU," said Cat Tarvin, NCCU softball head coach. "I am so proud of all her accomplishments, especially this one in particular."
 
Blue Cross NC has teamed up with five college sports partners across North Carolina to highlight women's athletics through the scholarship program. Each recipient of the Finish Line Scholarship was nominated by their school's athletic program for exemplifying values of leadership, integrity and community.
 
Additionally, Blue Cross NC is awarding each scholarship recipients' high school alma mater with funding to further support women and girls in sports across North Carolina.
 
"Women athletes are leaders in their communities both on and off the field," said Tammy Jones, VP of Brand and Demand Generation at Blue Cross NC.  "Working with NCCU, Blue Cross NC is committed to supporting the next generation of North Carolina leaders."
 
This is the second consecutive year NCCU athletics and Blue Cross NC have highlighted women's sports through the scholarship program. Maegan Garrison (softball) and Lauren Janok (volleyball) are previous recipients of the Finish Line Scholarship.
 
Blue Cross NC made the scholarship presentation during halftime of the NCCU women's basketball game against Morgan State University on Monday, Feb. 5.
 
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), the leading not-for-profit health plan in North Carolina, is committed to making health care more affordable, easier to navigate and accessible for all. Since 1933, the health insurer has created programs and initiatives to provide North Carolinians the opportunity to be healthy. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of more than 4.2 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
 
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.