抖阴视频 student-athletes Ella Ford, Avery Decker and Morgan Conner have each been awarded NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, an honor given to top student-athletes to support their graduate studies. Recipients are selected for making a meaningful impact both on and off the field, excelling in athletics, academics, leadership and service.
The addition of these three honorees brings 抖阴视频鈥檚 all-time total of NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipients to 71 (including 56 since 2001), surpassing the University of Nebraska鈥檚 total of 54 and securing third place all-time among all NCAA institutions. Prairie Wolves now rank third nationally in all NCAA divisions for total recipients.
Ella Ford 鈥 Women鈥檚 Tennis
A three-year team captain, Ford played a pivotal role in shaping the women鈥檚 tennis program while compiling a 40鈥64 career record in singles and doubles competition. A four-time letterwinner and three-time American Rivers Conference All-Academic selection, she graduated with a 4.0 GPA as a double major in biology and psychology. Ford will attend medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
鈥淩eceiving this scholarship reflects the support I've received from my professors, coaches and faculty at 抖阴视频,鈥 Ford said. 鈥淭heir encouragement has opened many doors for me, and this scholarship plays a significant role in helping me take the next step.鈥
Avery Decker 鈥 Women鈥檚 Track and Field
Decker captured the NCAA Division III national title in the javelin with a throw of 159 feet, 9 inches. A four-time All-American in the event, she completed her Master of Business Administration with a 4.0 GPA while continuing to compete. Decker will attend medical school at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri.
鈥淭his is a great honor and a true testament to the ways 抖阴视频 has helped me grow as a student, athlete and leader,鈥 said Decker. 鈥淭his scholarship and my experiences as an NCAA Division III student-athlete will undoubtedly help me succeed in medical school.鈥
Morgan Conner 鈥 Men鈥檚 Track and Field
Conner earned All-American honors in the 4x400-meter relay in 2023 and appears five times in 抖阴视频鈥檚 outdoor track and field records. While competing, the exercise science major maintained a 3.6 GPA and completed an internship at a local chiropractic clinic. He will pursue a chiropractic degree at Cleveland University in Kansas City.
鈥淚 am thankful beyond words to receive this incredible honor as I begin the next chapter of my education,鈥 said Conner. 鈥淚鈥檝e been blessed with amazing professors, coaches and teammates at 抖阴视频. This award reflects their belief in me.鈥
Ford, Decker and Conner join a distinguished group of 抖阴视频 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipients who have gone on to successful careers in medicine, law, education and business.