Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship

The NCAA established the Jim McKay Scholarship to recognize the immense contributions and legacy of pioneer sports journalist Jim McKay. Annually, one male and one female student or student-athlete will be awarded a Jim McKay Scholarship in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and their potential to make a major contribution to the sports communication industry or public relations. McKay scholars will be recognized as having a unique aptitude and commitment to the communications field while displaying the highest level of professional integrity, including the principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability, with the element of compassion that so infused McKay's long and storied career. While McKay scholars do not need a major in communications or journalism, they should demonstrate achievement in sport communication, public relations or at least show an interest in contributing to the field. All former student-athletes who earned an undergraduate degree from an NCAA member school are eligible to be nominated by that school for an NCAA graduate degree scholarship, regardless of when they received their undergraduate degree. Applicants must be students or student-athletes at an active NCAA member institution who are in their final season of NCAA athletics eligibility or will not be using any remaining athletics eligibility; be enrolled in graduate study at an NCAA member institution or be a graduating senior committed to enrolling in a graduate degree program within five years of being named a McKay Scholar; have demonstrated efforts in the communication field or have an interest beyond their major to contribute to sports communication; ascribe to the highest levels of integrity, including the principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability; have evidenced superior character and leadership; and have an understanding and appreciation for the legacy of Jim McKay, his contributions to sport broadcasting and specifically his award-winning oratory on the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Four letters of recommendation by four different people are required: from a faculty member teaching in the discipline of the nominee's baccalaureate degree; from a person able to judge the nominee's contribution to intercollegiate athletics or academic advisor; from a person in the position to speak about your community service and leadership; and from one endorser of the nominee's choice. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the National Collegiate Athletic Association for more information. Applicants must have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale and intend to pursue a graduate degree in sports communication, journalism, media studies, or a related field. The nomination packet must include a completed nomination form, official undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement outlining the applicant's goals in sports communication and how they embody Jim McKay's legacy, and at least four letters of recommendation highlighting academic, athletic, and personal achievements from four different people. Nominations open September 15, 2025 and close January 5, 2026 at 5 p.m. EST. Finalists are notified in early March and virtual interviews are held March 13, 2026. Each recipient receives a $10,000 nonrenewable scholarship toward enrollment in an accredited graduate program. The 2026 recipients are Lauryn Borzilleri of Kentucky and Thomas Melina Raab of Trinity (Texas).