NCAA RELEASE
WashU POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP HISTORY
 
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Washington University in St. Louis 2025 graduate Ryan Hillery was awarded the winter NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, the organization recently announced.
 
Hillery was a four-year member of the Bears' men's swimming and diving team and graduated in May 2025 with a degree in cognitive neuroscience.
 
Hillery is the 25^th student-athlete in WashU Athletics' history to earn the scholarship and the fourth in men's swimming and diving program history.
 
For the winter, the NCAA awarded 42 scholarships to exceptional student-athletes who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, athletic excellence and leadership within their communities.
 
An All-American swimmer for the Bears, Hillery was also a three-time Academic All-UAA honoree and a two-time CSCAA Scholar All-America selection.
 
In his time at WashU, Hillery was a Swim Across America College Ambassador, organizing Swim Across America events for the WashU swim team to raise money for cancer research and awareness. Additionally, he was a Student-Athlete Academic Peer Mentor, working with undergraduate WashU student-athletes to help them achieve their academic goals.
 
Hillery also worked and volunteered at the St. Louis Children's Hospital, serving as a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research Associate and a Child Life volunteer. He also served as a teaching assistant at WashU.
 
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 $10,000 award is a one-time, nonrenewable scholarship intended to support 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.
 
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Elevating scholar-champions requires resources beyond the institutional budget. Through the W Club, generous alumni, parents, and friends provide unrestricted support that is essential to the extraordinary WashU student-athlete experience—and the ongoing growth and development of the department. Annual support for Athletics allows the Bears to consistently rise to national levels of competition and ensures that our student-athletes enjoy exceptional opportunities as they train, compete, and lead. To make a gift to the Annual Fund for Athletics, please visit our secure online giving form or contact the Athletics Advancement Office at athletics@wustl.edu.