INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The University of Chicago has received an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship for the spring 2025 season, as announced by the National Collegiate Athletic Association on July 1. Kirk Waller earned the scholarship as a representative of the UChicago baseball program.
As a four-year letter winner for the UChicago baseball team, Waller made a significant impact on the mound, ranking second all-time in career pitching appearances (57) and helping lead the team to the Regional Finals in the first NCAA Tournament appearance for the baseball program. His senior season was especially impressive, earning him 2nd-Team All-Conference honors in the UAA and top statistical rankings in multiple pitching categories, including ERA, wins, and fewest runs allowed.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Waller distinguished himself academically and as a leader on campus. A consistent presence on the Academic All-Conference list and a 2025 cum laude graduate, he balanced the demands of collegiate athletics with academic rigor. He was also earned Dean's List honors, further demonstrating his dedication to scholarship and personal growth.
Waller's leadership extended well beyond the classroom and baseball field. He was an active member of the Trott Business Program, participated in charitable efforts such as Cycle for Survival and food distribution through his church, and served as Pledge Class President for the Psi Upsilon fraternity. His professional development included internships in data analytics and business operations at several companies, where he applied his analytical skills to real-world challenges. Waller will continue his education this fall as he will work to obtain his Master's degree in Applied Data Science at the University of Chicago.
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 eight consecutive seasons with at least one NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. Over that span, 11 Maroon student-athletes have earned this prestigious award, including five during the 2024-25 academic year. The five award winners in the 2024-25 academic year are the most in an academic year in UChicago history.
