INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The University of Chicago has received an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship for the winter 2024 season, as announced by the National Collegiate Athletic Association on May 8. Jared Zhang, a 2023 graduate, earned the scholarship as a representative of the men's swimming & diving team.
Zhang was awarded the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments both in and out of the pool. As a four-year member of the UChicago men's swimming team, he capped his senior season with three All-American honors: in the 100-yard backstroke, 100-yard butterfly, and as part of the 200-yard freestyle relay that finished fourth nationally. He also played a key role in helping the Maroons capture the University Athletic Association (UAA) championship in that same relay. Throughout his collegiate career, Zhang was a consistent finalist at the conference level and earned the 2023 UChicago Coaches' Award for his performance and leadership.
Zhang's impact extended far beyond competition. Academically, he was named a First Team Scholar All-American by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) and was a four-time UAA All-Academic honoree. He graduated cum laude with additional recognition as a UChicago Katen Scholar and a UAA Presidents Council Scholar-Athlete. His academic journey reflected a strong interest in medicine and ethics, including recognition as a UChicago Scholar in Ethics and Medicine and multiple appearances on the Dean's List.
Outside the classroom, Zhang devoted hundreds of hours to service, mentorship, and research. He taught weekly swim lessons in the South Side community, served as a Mandarin interpreter at the Bridgeport Free Clinic, and educated Chicago public school students through the Peer Health Exchange. His research efforts included projects on sickle cell disease and surgical disparities, and he held roles as a lab technician, medical assistant, and swim coach. Zhang's selection for the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship affirms a collegiate career defined by excellence, service, and a clear dedication to pursuing a future in medicine.
NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipients receive a one-time $10,000 grant to be used toward their postgraduate degrees. To be eligible, student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.2 grade point average and demonstrate top-level academic achievements, athletic success, and significant involvement and leadership within the community.
The University of Chicago continues its impressive streak of seven consecutive seasons with at least one NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. Over that span, ten Maroon student-athletes have earned this prestigious award.
