Arizona Breaking Barriers Scholarship

The Arizona Breaking Barriers Student Athlete Scholarship recognizes graduating Arizona high school seniors who are breaking barriers on and off the field.

Scholarship Requirements

• Graduating high school senior (spring of 2026)
• Current athlete in an organized sporting team (ex: with a high school, local public or private club, recreational league, or other formal organizations)
• 3.00 or higher cumulative weighted GPA
• Plan to attend an Arizona college or university in the fall
• Provide current unofficial high school transcript
• Membership with Desert Financial Credit Union is not required
• Show a demonstrated financial need based on Student Aid Index (SAI) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Scholarships Awarded

A total of 15 scholarships will be awarded as decided by the Scholarship Review Committee. Out of the 15 recipients:

• Two recipients will be chosen by Krysten as Krysten Muir Scholars, presented by the Arizona Cardinals.
• Two recipients will be chosen by Anthony as Unstoppable Scholars presented by Anthony Robles.
• One recipient will be chosen as the Girls Flag Football Scholar* presented by the Arizona Cardinals.

Nomination Process

Eligible high school seniors can nominate themselves or be nominated on their behalf for this scholarship. Please be prepared to describe in detail why this student athlete is qualified and how they have demonstrated resiliency in the face of barriers.

Prior to starting the nomination process, please review the Nomination Checklist below and note that

The nomination process does not allow you to save your progress and come back later to complete. You will need to have all of the student-athletes’ information ready prior to starting to ensure completion of the entire process in one sitting.

If the student athlete is selected to move forward in the selection process, the student will receive an email from foundation@desertfinancial.com requesting additional information, including a copy of their current unofficial transcripts, unless otherwise asked via the application. Depending on their nomination status, they may also be asked to confirm that they would like to be considered for the scholarship.

Important Reminders

Please gather all the information needed before starting the online nomination process – partial applications cannot be saved.

Applications must be submitted by November 14, 2025.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY/PUBLICITY RELEASE: By submitting your information for the award, you grant Desert Financial the right to use your name, image, voice, statements and/or other likenesses and information for advertising, promotional, trade and/or any other purpose in any media or format now known or hereafter devised, throughout the world, in perpetuity, without limitation and without further compensation, consideration, permission or notification, unless prohibited by law.

If at least one of the top fifteen (15) scoring applicants is a girls flag football player, the highest-scoring individual among them will be named the Girls Flag Football Scholar presented by the Arizona Cardinals.

If none of the top fifteen scoring applicants participate in girls' flag football, the final candidate identified through the initial selection process will be replaced as a finalist by the highest-scoring girls flag football player applicant, who will then be recognized with this honor.

This ensures the scholarship reflects our shared commitment to supporting and uplifting athletes in emerging sports like girls flag football across Arizona.

Requirements

• Be an Arizona high school senior graduating by spring 2026.
• Participate on a high school or other organized sporting team, such as a league or club.
• Plan to attend an in-state college or university in the fall.
• Have a 3.0 cumulative weighted GPA or higher.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• You do not need to be a member of Desert Financial to qualify.

Before submitting a nomination, please review these important guidelines.

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.

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.

Nominate a game-changer. Or be one.

The spotlight is on! Now through November 14, you can apply or nominate an Arizona high school senior — for the Arizona Breaking Barriers Student Athlete Scholarship presented by Desert Financial Foundation. It’s your chance to celebrate a standout student athlete who breaks barriers, inspires others and leads with heart. With one quick application, you can make a lifelong difference. Fill out the form below to apply or nominate someone!