“Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts, whose health struggles made headlines in recent months, is set to be honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2013 ESPYs, ESPN announced. The ceremony will take place July 17 in Los Angeles.

Past recipients of the award, which goes to individuals whose contributions go beyond sports, include Jim Valvano, Muhammad Ali, Dean Smith, Billie Jean King and Pat Summitt.

Roberts has a background in sports, including four seasons as a player on the Southeastern Louisiana University women’s basketball team, ranking among the team’s leaders for points scored, rebounds, field goals made and games played.

“One of the first female sports anchors on ESPN in the ’90s, Roberts has worked with ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ for the past two decades, blazing a trail for women in broadcasting,” ESPN announced. “Her personal journey also served as inspiration because she overcame life-threatening illnesses twice. The 2013 ESPYs will recognize the strength and courage Roberts has displayed throughout her life and career.”

Roberts was inducted into the Women’s Institute on Sport and Education’s Hall of Fame in 1994 and entered the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Robin Roberts