Janiah Barker from UCLA women’s basketball and Chase Griffin from UCLA football have been nominated for the inaugural Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award. This announcement was made by the conference on Monday. A total of 36 nominees were selected from 18 member institutions, with two overall winners to be announced later this week.
Each nominee will receive a medal featuring Jackie Robinson’s likeness alongside the Big Ten Conference logo. The award, established in 2025, aims to honor student-athletes who positively impact their sport and community.
Barker, a junior, earned recognition as the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year during UCLA’s successful 2024-25 season. She averaged 7.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game off the bench and recorded six double-doubles. Her contributions helped UCLA achieve its first-ever No. 1 overall ranking in both the regular season and NCAA tournament, with a record-setting 34 wins. Beyond her athletic achievements, Barker is actively involved in community service at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and the Dream Center.
Griffin was named to the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and was a semifinalist for college football’s highest community service honors, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. He holds three degrees from UCLA and has received several accolades including Young Alumnus of the Year and Chancellor’s Service Award. His involvement extends to serving on the Bruin Athletic Council leadership group. Griffin also directed part of his Name, Image, and Likeness proceeds to support children through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s BackPack Program.
Jackie Robinson was an accomplished student-athlete at UCLA, excelling in four sports: football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. He is celebrated not only for his athletic achievements but also for his role in integrating Major League Baseball and commitment to social justice.
Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti stated: “It is our privilege and great honor to bestow this award in Jackie’s name upon these deserving Big Ten student-athletes and to express our appreciation for the support of the Jackie Robinson Foundation.”
