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Creating Champions: Nigel Hawkins Aims High for Athletic, Academic Success

Last Updated on November 12, 2019 at 12:00 AM

Originally published November 12, 2019

By Jesse Martinez

UTEP Communications

Creating Champions: This is the fifth article in a series about UTEP student-athletes who share their unique stories and how athletic scholarships have made a difference in their lives. Each of these students reflects on the value of their UTEP experiences and the opportunities they create for the future. Visit minerathleticclub.com to learn more about the Creating Champions campaign.

Nigel Hawkins has ample motivation to achieve success on the court and in the classroom. With the help of a Miner Athletic Club scholarship, Hawkins is imbued with opportunities that allow him to move closer to his athletic and academic goals.
Nigel Hawkins has ample motivation to achieve success on the court and in the classroom. With the help of a Miner Athletic Club scholarship, Hawkins is imbued with opportunities that allow him to move closer to his athletic and academic goals.

Nigel Hawkins has ample motivation to achieve success on the court and in the classroom. With the help of a Miner Athletic Club scholarship, Hawkins is imbued with opportunities that allow him to move closer to his athletic and academic goals. 

“It means a lot; it’s a confidence booster for myself,” Hawkins said, referring to his scholarship. “It makes my family proud and it just provides me with that opportunity to do better in life.”

The sophomore business major joined the UTEP men’s basketball team as a freshman in 2018. In his debut season, Hawkins started in all 27 games and quickly made his way up the team leaderboard to rank third on the squad in points per game and second in total points.

The 6-foot-4-inch guard describes the team as a competitive but fun brotherhood. He said the team looks out for each other, and teammates motivate each other to perform their best.

“Right now, it’s very competitive, but it’s, like, ‘I know I have to get you better to make me better to make us better,’” Hawkins said.

Hawkins said he is very grateful for his scholarship and the opportunity it created for him to be in El Paso as part of the UTEP men’s basketball team. He describes the community as one that is rich in tradition, and he hopes to build on that vaunted history.

The Houston native hopes to one day build his own company or use his accounting degree to work in the oil and gas industry. He said his interest in accounting grew from his mother who works in the financial field.