Max Grossenbacher ’16 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 the school’s 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,” says Grossenbacher. “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,” says de Araujo, associate professor and chair of the Economics and Business Department. “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 owns a 3.81 grade-point average, will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a minor in music. He plans to attend medical school 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 joins Patrick McGinnis ’04 and Brandon Ogilvie ’13 as recipients of the organization’s highest academic award.
The senior midfielder and McGinnis are the only Tigers to earn All-America and Scholar All-America honors from the NSCAA during the same season.
“I hope that my receiving awards like this will inspire our younger students to apply for these honors,” Grossenbacher says. “Receiving the NCAA scholarship is the culmination of my Colorado College experience and I will cherish it forever.” Read more here.