April 29, 2008
The NCAA announced its winter winners of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship on Tuesday, naming Clemson senior Matt Balderston as one of the fifty-eight recipients nationwide. Balderston will graduate in May with a 4.00 GPR in Biochemistry.
Head coach Chris Ip said, “We are extremely proud of Matt and the way that he represents Clemson University. He demonstrates that he is a true student-athlete at the highest level. Matt has set the bar for all Tiger swimmers and divers and has honored his University and Athletic Department with all of his accomplishments.”
The NCAA awards fifty-eight (29 male, 29 female) one-time $7,500 grants for each sport season, Fall, Winter and Spring. Balderston is the only ACC athlete to be selected for the winter awards, and is the first Tiger to be selected since rower Ashlee Brown was awarded for the Spring of 2005.
The scholarships are awarded to the student-athletes who excel academically and athletically and are in their final year of intercollegiate athletic competition. A captain of the 2007-08 squad, Balderston moved his way into sixth in Clemson history in the 50 free and led-off the school-record holding 200 free relay. He led the team to 12 wins during the dual-meet season, second most in program history.
Balderston will use the scholarship toward medical school. He is considering Eastern Virginia University, near his home in Virginia, and Duke University.
In addition to his work in the classroom and pool, Balderston has been a leading member in the athletic department for community service, including running the Be A T.I.G.E.R. Field Day held earlier in April. Balderston was named Tiger Pride Award winner and Most Dedicated by the swimming and diving team at the team banquet.
December 8, 2024
