From University of Chicago Athletics
University of Chicago senior women's soccer player Whitley Cargile was one of 58 fall student-athletes awarded the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.
Cargile, who completed her four years for the record-breaking Maroons women's soccer team in December, earns a $7,500 scholarship to be applied toward the graduate degree program of her choice.
"(Recently) I had my final undergraduate class at UChicago," Cargile said. "Although I have been incredibly thankful for the opportunity to study here throughout my four years, in that moment, it really hit me how special of a place this is.
"It has challenged me, both academically and athletically. Those experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful."
Cargile, an economics major, earned Third-Team College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American honors in 2017 after excelling in both the classroom and the field, where she started all 24 games on the back line for one of the stingiest defenses in the nation.
The Maroons let in just seven goals all year, setting new program records for fewest goals allowed and shutouts with 18 en route to their second-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship game and second-straight trip to the NCAA Final Four.
Cargile who will graduate this June, plans to move to New York, N.Y., to join Deutsche Bank as an Investment Banking Analyst in its Industrials group. She plans to attend business school in the future.
The NCAA awards Postgraduate Scholarships to student-athletes who are in their final year of college athletics eligibility. Up to 175 scholarships are awarded each year for use toward an accredited graduate program. Awardees are evaluated on their academic and athletic achievement, campus involvement, community service, volunteer activities and demonstrated leadership. The program rewards college athletes whose dedication and effort reflect the characteristics needed to succeed in graduate study.
Awardees are chosen by the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee, which includes faculty athletics representatives, athletics administrators and a conference commissioner.
For information on past winners, award criteria, and the nomination process and deadlines, visit ncaa.org/scholarshipsandgrants.