Scholarships and Awards
Big South Conference Academic Awards
Christenberry Award for Academic Excellence
The Big South Conference presents the George A. Christenberry Award for Academic Excellence each year to one male and female student-athlete who attain the highest grade point averages during their undergraduate careers. The award is based on the entire academic record (including all transfer credit) through the fall semester of the final academic year to allow for recognition of the award winners in the spring of each year to be eligible. Student-Athletes must have graduated during the previous summer or fall semester or be in the final semester of their undergraduate career. In case of ties, additional awards and recognition are provided.
Longwood University Winners
- Elena Firestone (WLAX), 2025
- Lauren Vick (WCC & TF), 2025
- Carrie Reaver (WSOC), 2021
- Dana Joss (WLAX), 2020
- Kate Spradlin (WBB), 2019
McCloskey Graduate Fellowship information
The Big South Conference Graduate Fellowship Program was established by the league in the Fall of 2005 as a means of recognizing the academic excellence of Big South Conference student-athletes who intend to pursue postgraduate studies upon graduation from a Big South Conference institution. Each winner receives $2,000 for their respective graduate studies. Since 2008, Big South Corporate Partner Bob McCloskey Insurance has graciously sponsored the fellowship awards.
Longwood University Winners
- Anastasia Lajoie (WLAX), 2025
- Kiersten Witte (WCC & TF), 2024
- Madison Hommey (WSOC), 2021
- Zach Potojecki, (BSB), 2018
- Olivia Colella (WSOC), 2016
- Taylor Cave (WSOC), 2015
- Amy Lewis (FH), 2013
NCAA Scholarships
NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Program
$10,000 one-time award, 126 annually
Eligibility
- Be in final season or completed academic eligibility
- Be in final year of undergraduate work, or awarded undergraduate degree
- Cumulative GPA 3.2 or greater
- Performed with distinction as an athlete
- Enroll in a graduate degree program within 1 year
- Outstanding citizen and role model
Deadlines
- Fall Sports: Opens 9/16/25; Closes 1/5/26 5pm EST
- Winter Sports: Open 1/12/26; Closes 3/9/26 5pm EST
- Spring Sports: Open 3/9/26; Closes 5/4/26 5pm EST\
Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship
$10,000 scholarship, 1 male and 1 female awarded each year
Eligibility
- Be a graduating senior
- Cumulative GPA 3.5 or greater
- Competed in intercollegiate athletics at varsity level
- Intend to pursue a graduate degree in sports communications, journalism, or media studies
- Demonstrate leadership, integrity, and service both on campus and in the community
Deadlines
Open for applications 9/15/26; Closes 1/5/26 5pm EST
Walter Byer Graduate Scholarship
$24,000 scholarship for graduate study, 1 male and 1 female awarded each year
Eligibility
- Graduating senior
- Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Competed in intercollegiate athletics at varsity level
- Intends to enroll full time in an accredited graduate program
- Demonstrates exceptional character, leadership, and service
Deadlines
Open for application 9/15/25; Closes 1/5/26 5pm EST