Sports Studies Caucus
The caucus sponsors the Emerging Scholar award, presented at the ASA annual conference.
Intended to continue the legacy of the Caucus’ graduate student paper prize, this achievement serves to highlight one early career scholar in American Studies or a related discipline who is engaging in innovative, impactful, and inspiring research–setting an example for what sports studies research can be. We envision that these candidates will be budding academics who engage broadly in scholarship across disciplinary and methodological bounds, find connections with their own work and American Studies scholarship beyond sport, and conduct public-facing work that moves beyond the academy.
Ideally, applicants for this award will have participated and continue to be active members of the Sports Studies Caucus. Through the creation of this prize, we hope to both honor recipients in a way that benefits their academic resume while also highlighting their research, scholarship, and profile on Sports Studies Caucus platforms including social media and our website.
Applicant Eligibility
- Currently a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow.
- Member of the American Studies Association and Sports Studies Caucus.
- Willing to participate in the following year’s Emerging Scholar Award judging panel.
Applications will open in Fall 2026
Previous Winners:
- 2026: Jordan Keesler, University of Maryland
- Honorable Mention- Paulina Serrano and Maurice Rippel
- 2025: Kathy Palupa, University of Southern California