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Arizona Breaking Barriers Scholarship

Honoring student athletes who break barriers and overcome obstacles.

For student athletes who turn struggle into strength

Since 2021, Desert Financial Foundation has offered a scholarship program for student athletes who show resilience in and outside of athletic competitions. Fifteen Arizona high school seniors participating in organized sports will be recognized with a $3,000 scholarship for their freshman year at an Arizona college.

Breaking Barriers

The application period for this scholarship has ended.

Inspired by local heroes 

The Arizona Breaking Barriers Scholarships are inspired by Krysten Muir, Anthony Robles and the trailblazing athletes of girls flag football.

Krysten Muir broke barriers in 2015-2016 as a kicker for the Marcos de Niza High School football team in Tempe. She leaves a legacy as the first female to score a point in an AIA state championship game and set the state record for points scored by a woman in the season. In January 2021, Krysten was in a car accident that caused partial paralysis. Through her hard work and dedication, she continues to conquer her goals and be an example of resiliency in the face of adversity.

Anthony Robles, one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Arizona State University®  history, broke barriers when he won the NCAA individual championship in 2011 despite being born with only one leg. He capped his collegiate career with a 36-0 record. Anthony became a motivational speaker and commentator, encouraging athletes everywhere to be unstoppable. His autobiography, Unstoppable, inspired a movie starring Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez that premiered on Amazon Prime in 2025.  

Girls flag football athletes shatter limits and overcome stereotypes to compete and grow in the sport they love. The Arizona Cardinals amplify their efforts through broadcasting games, donating equipment, hosting camps and presenting the Girls Flag Football Scholarship.  

Awarding scholarship recipients

15 scholars
will be selected and receive $3,000 each.
Krysten Muir Scholars
Two recipients will be chosen by Krysten as Krysten Muir Scholars presented by the Arizona Cardinals.
Unstoppable Scholars
Two recipients will be chosen by Anthony as Unstoppable Scholars presented by Anthony Robles.
Girls Flag Football Scholar
A recipient will be chosen as the Girls Flag Football Scholar presented by the Arizona Cardinals.
Recipient notification
Scholarship recipients will be notified in late November or December.

Scholarship application process

Step 1
Fill out the application. Make sure you’re able to complete the application in one sitting. Information on partially completed applications won’t be saved.
Step 2
Your application will be reviewed by Desert Financial Foundation.
Step 3
If your application is accepted for a scholarship award, you will be notified via email.

What Breaking Barriers Scholars are saying

"This scholarship means a lot to me and my family because I want to further my education."
Mike J.

Disclosures

Desert Financial Foundation is an exempt organization as described in section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, EIN# 81-1028132. 

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