Harlem Globetrotter Special K Daley earns receives degree from Ashford University

Among this year's more than 2,800 online graduates at Ashford University's Clinton, Iowa, commencement was Kevin Daley - better known as Kevin "Special K" Daley when he is working for his full-time employer, the Harlem Globetrotters.

In his career with the Globetrotters, Daley has played more than 500 games in 25 countries and territories, 150 U.S. cities and travelled more than 50,000 miles. While competing, Daley completed the coursework online and earned his degree in sociology with a 3.6 GPA, a position on the Dean's List and graduation "with distinction."

Daley's graduation fulfilled a promise he made to his father in 2000, when he left Azusa Pacific University to pursue a professional basketball career. Despite the travel schedule he followed, Daley kept at it, even if it occasionally meant he had to study after games. And on one occasion, he took a test in a crowded locker room just minutes before taking the court.

More than 98 percent of Ashford University's students attend classes online. Looking back, Daley says online class work proved more difficult than he imagined, but hopes people realize that despite obstacles in the way, they can reach their goals no matter the circumstances. He realized it was time to keep his promise. "I can't preach education to my own daughter if I had the opportunity and didn't do it," he said.

By Mark Danson