Wrestler Jackson Hoover Earns $10K NCAA Scholarship

A former college wrestler who graduated top of his class is heading to medical school with a $10,000 boost from the NCAA, showing that athletic excellence and academic achievement go hand in hand.

Jackson Hoover, a 2025 summa cum laude graduate from the University of Indianapolis, earned one of only 42 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships awarded to winter sport athletes nationwide. The biology major is now pursuing his medical degree at the University of Florida.

Hoover's wrestling credentials are impressive. He finished fifth at the NCAA Division II Championships this year, earning All-American honors for the Greyhounds.

But his real superpower was balancing the demands of elite athletics with rigorous academics. Hoover earned Academic All-America First Team honors twice and became just the second Greyhound ever to win the NCAA Elite 90 Award twice, which recognizes the highest grade point average at championship events.

"Jackson is the absolute model of a student-athlete," said UIndy wrestling head coach Jason Warthan. "He was an All-American on the mat and obviously a great student; a great teammate as well."

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship program, established in 1964, awards 126 scholarships annually to student-athletes who have completed their final year of competition. The one-time awards support graduate studies at accredited institutions and distribute $10,000 each to 21 men and 21 women across fall, winter, and spring sports.

Why This Inspires

Hoover's journey challenges the outdated stereotype that athletes must choose between sports and academics. He proved you can pin opponents to the mat and ace organic chemistry, compete at nationals and graduate summa cum laude. His success opens doors not just for himself but shows younger athletes that excellence in multiple areas is achievable.

The scholarship program itself reflects this belief, evaluating candidates on athletic and academic achievements, campus involvement, community service, and leadership. The selection process ensures fairness across all sports, divisions, genders, and backgrounds.

Now Hoover takes those same qualities that made him a champion wrestler into medicine, where his discipline, dedication, and competitive drive will serve future patients.