Analise Pugh ’25 Explores Soccer Culture as a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow

Claremont, Calif. (June 1, 2023)—Analise Pugh ’25, an American studies major, was selected for the 2023 Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) program. The MMUF program is the centerpiece of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s initiatives to increase diversity in the ranks of institutions of higher learning. 

With support from The Claremont Colleges MMUF program, Pugh will work with Scripps College Professor Wendy Cheng on a research project titled “Soccer is Life: The role of youth soccer in disciplining citizens and upholding the U.S. empire.” 

“My research focuses on exploring how U.S. citizens are trained and disciplined to uphold white hetero-patriarchies through youth soccer culture,” said Pugh. “As someone who played soccer in San Francisco throughout my life, I am excited to investigate the value systems undergirding youth soccer organizations. Looking forward to the next two years!” 

Pugh plans to pursue a doctoral degree in American studies when she graduates. 

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship program was established in 1988. MMUF fellows are selected for their demonstrated academic ability and their aspirations to pursue a doctoral degree in humanities and select social and physical sciences. The program continues to support fellows during their graduate and postdoctoral careers through grants, close mentoring, and training. The name of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship honors Benjamin Elijah Mays, former president of Morehouse College and mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

The Claremont Colleges became members of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowships program in 2015 and received a $1 million grant to implement measures designed to create a more diverse faculty for America’s colleges and universities. The Claremont Colleges MMUF program selects a new cohort of 10 sophomores each spring for an annual cohort of 20 juniors and seniors from across The Claremont Colleges. 

At Pitzer, Shelva Paulse, assistant dean of faculty for academic affairs, has served on the MMUF Steering Committee since the 2017–18 academic year. Assistant Professor of Psychology Darin R. Brown served as the 2022–23 MMUF faculty representative, a role that rotates every year.