Scholarship Brings Future Physical Therapist Sherrod Closer to Finish Line

SALISBURY, MD---There is something special about seeing people overcome the odds and come back stronger. That’s why Sherrod Frye dreams of becoming a physical therapist and helping athletes make it over the next hurdle.

A senior exercise science major and member of the track and field team at Salisbury University, Frye of Waldorf, MD is set to graduate this May. Now, he has a earned a scholarship that will bring him that much closer to the finish line.

Frye was recently chosen as the recipient of the Jack Ferguson Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of late SU student and men’s basketball player Jack Ferguson. The award was created by John Falcone, a client in the cardiac rehabilitation program at Ocean Pines Physical Fitness Center, where Ferguson was doing an internship. Every year, Falcone hosts a traditional Italian heritage dinner at his home to raise $1,000 to help a student going into the same line of work.

“Jack was bright young man pursuing a noble career, and his life was cut short,” Falcone said. “We hope this scholarship can keep his name going by helping others along the same path.”

Being chosen for the scholarship gives Frye reassurance that he is on the right path in life.

“I feel like what I’m doing is right,” Frye said. “This scholarship is going to help me push through my last semester, and it shows me that I’m just another step closer to my dream.”

Physical therapy felt like the right calling for Frye, who has been through his own journey of recovery. When he was in high school, he pulled his hamstring and had to go through physical therapy. It was then that he thought he could see himself working with athletes and helping them get back on the field.

“Athletes’ stories are very inspirational,” Frye said. “They show that people can make it in life and do whatever they want to do. They just have to keep reaching for the goal, no matter what it takes.”

The experience of “getting back up and coming back harder” hits home for Frye as well. While he has always been a good student, university was a huge adjustment for him. However, through all of his trials, he has always tried to improve himself each year. Being involved with track and field, the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and events with the Black Student Union has taught him how to break out of his shell and take advantage of the opportunities in front of him.

“SU really helped me be the person I knew was inside me all along,” Frye said. “Now I know I can branch out and make connections. That’s really what it’s all about in college – setting yourself up for the future.”

When Frye graduates in May, he plans to go into the U.S. Air Force reserves while getting a job in physical therapy. Meanwhile, he wants to continue his hobby of running a YouTube channel and a podcast focusing on telling athletes’ stories. He hopes to make his way into the A-list tier of athletes, talking to them about what made them love their sport and the obstacles they overcame to get where they are.

“This scholarship really means a lot to me,” Frye said. “My parents have worked hard to get me through school, and I want to make them proud when they see me walk across that stage. I’m just one step closer now.”

For more information about scholarships and endowments, contact Amy Waters at ahwaters@salisbury.edu.

Learn more about opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at SU.