Colorado College's Grossenbacher Receives NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

Colorado College's Grossenbacher Receives NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

(Photo and story courtesy of Dave Reed, Colorado College athletics department)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Max Grossenbacher has won virtually every award possible during his four years as a student-athlete at Colorado College.

His unwavering commitment to excellence in the classroom and as a member of the men’s soccer team has earned him a place among the most decorated student-athletes in school history.

In recognition of those achievements, Grossenbacher added his name to the most exclusive list with the announcement that he was named a recipient of an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, which are awarded to a select group who excel academically and athletically.

Only 29 scholarships are awarded for both men and women from each sports season (fall, winter and spring).

“I want to thank my sponsors and I am grateful for their efforts during the application process,” Grossenbacher said. I’m glad that Pedro de Araujo, CC’s faculty athletics representative, pushed me to apply because it was a very rewarding experience. It was great for me and Colorado College to be recognized.

“I’m the one who won the awards, but there are many other student-athletes who work just as hard and are just as deserving of awards like these.”

To qualify for the $7,500 scholarship, a student-athlete must have an overall grade-point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) and have been a member of a varsity team. Recipients also must intend to continue academic work beyond the bachelor's degree as a full-time or part-time graduate student.

“I was ecstatic when I received the news that Max was awarded the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship,” de Araujo said. “Max exemplifies the student-athlete model and Division III philosophy. I know he is moving on to accomplish great things and this award will definitely help. I am very proud of him.”

Grossenbacher, who will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a minor in music, plans to attend medical school beginning in 2017.

The native of San Antonio, Texas, easily surpassed the minimum requirements to qualify for the scholarship.

In December, Grossenbacher became just the third player in the history of CC men's soccer to be named a Scholar All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. He joined

Patrick McGinnis (2004) and Brandon Ogilvie (2013) as recipients of the organization's highest academic award.

The senior midfielder, who owns a 3.81 grade-point average, and McGinnis are the only Tigers to earn All-America and Scholar All-America honors from the NSCAA during the same season.

In November, Grossenbacher became the 23rd Colorado College student-athlete and eighth men's soccer player to earn Academic All-America® honors from the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). He was one of 34 men's soccer players to receive the nation's most prestigious academic award.

On the pitch, Grossenbacher became the eighth Tiger to win All-American honors from the NSCAA, earning a spot on the third team. He is the program’s first All-American since Matt Fechter was named to the second team in 2011.

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and first-team all-league selection led the conference with career highs of 27 points and nine assists. He also tied for first with nine goals, which matched his single-season high first set in 2014.

Grossenbacher completed his career tied for 24th in program history with 58 points, 25th with 21 goals and tied for 27th with 16 assists.

“I had great teammates, great coaches, great faculty mentors and peers who pushed me in the classroom, on the field and in everyday life,” Grossenbacher said. “They helped me become a better athlete, a better student and a better person.”

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship was created in 1964 to promote and encourage postgraduate education by rewarding the association's most accomplished student-athletes through their participation in NCAA championship and/or emerging sports.

Candidates for the postgraduate scholarship are nominated by the school's faculty athletics representative and screened by regional selection committees. Recipients then are selected by the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee.

“I hope that my receiving awards like this will inspire our younger students to apply for these honors,” Grossenbacher said. “Receiving the NCAA scholarship is the culmination of my Colorado College experience and I will cherish it forever."

“These scholarships are one of the ways the NCAA provides a pathway to opportunity for student-athletes,” said Dr. Richard Loosbrock, chair of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee and faculty athletics representative at Adams State University. “Max’s distinguished college career is highlighted by his outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, community service and leadership. These experiences will prepare him for success in graduate study and life.”

For information on past winners, award criteria, and the nomination process and deadlines, visit ncaa.org/scholarshipsandgrants

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