The NCAA has awarded $10,000 to 42 extraordinary student-athletes as part of its Postgraduate Scholarship program. These student-athletes, representing spring sports across all three NCAA divisions, have demonstrated remarkable academic achievements, athletic excellence and leadership within their communities. 

Former Colby Women's Lacrosse student-athlete Elizabeth Hennessey '23, the 2023 IWLCA Division III Scholar-Athlete of the Year, is one of those 42 to earn the scholarship. As a midfielder, Hennessey recorded a 3.87 cumulative GPA after earning IWLCA All-American and All-Region honors in 2023. She was an All-NESCAC honoree and earned the Patty Valavanis Award, which is given to a senior woman student-athlete at Colby who has demonstrated the qualities of academic and athletic excellence along with personal leadership and sportsmanship. Hennessy was a three-time NESCAC Spring Academic Team honoree and a two-time IWLCA Academic Honor Roll honoree. Hennessey finished her career at Colby with 88 points on 73 goals and 15 assists in 48 games played.

Each year, the NCAA awards 126 postgraduate scholarships to student-athletes who have completed their final year of athletics competition. The scholarships are distributed three times annually — in the fall, winter and spring — providing 21 scholarships each to men and women per season. The award is a one-time, nonrenewable scholarship aimed at funding graduate study at an accredited institution.

Established in 1964, the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship program promotes and encourages graduate education by recognizing the Association's most accomplished student-athletes. The program evaluates candidates on their athletic and academic achievements, campus involvement, community service and leadership. An equitable selection process ensures that all nominees, regardless of sport, division, gender or race, are considered fairly.

CLICK HERE for the full NCAA release 7/7