Elissa Schmidt Awarded Postgraduate Scholarship
April 29, 2008
Elissa Schmidt, a 2004 graduate of Owatonna High School (MN), has been awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. She is the first Luther College swimmer and the 29th Luther student-athlete to receive this honor. The scholarship carries a one-time non-renewable grant of $7,500 for postgraduate study. Schmidt was among 29 female student-athletes who competed in winter sports in all NCAA divisions to receive this prestigious award, including seven from NCAA Division III.
The NCAA annually awards 170 postgraduate scholarships to outstanding student-athletes throughout the nation. To qualify for an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, a student-athlete must have an overall grade point average of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent, and must have performed with distinction as a member of the varsity team in the sport in which the student-athlete was nominated. The student-athlete must have behaved, both on and off the field, in a manner that has brought credit to the student-athlete, the institution, and intercollegiate athletics. The student-athlete also must intend to continue academic work beyond the baccalaureate degree as a full-time or part-time graduate student.
Schmidt wrapped up her outstanding collegiate career as the most decorated swimmer in Luther College history. This past winter, she made her first appearance at the NCAA Division III National Swimming and Diving Championships and earned four All-America honors—two as an individual in the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle, and two as a member of the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Schmidt also earned honorable mention All-America honors in the 50 freestyle and 200 freestyle relay. Her efforts helped Luther to an 11th-place finish, its highest finish ever at the national championships.
Twice Schmidt has been named the Iowa Conference Most Valuable Performer. This winter she was selected Swimmer of the Meet at the Liberal Arts Championships.
Schmidt’s name appears on seven school records—the 50 freestyle (23.98), 100 freestyle (51.66), 200 freestyle (1:51.25), 200 freestyle relay (1:37.10), 400 freestyle relay (3:29.57), 800 freestyle relay (7:41.90), and 400 medley relay (4:03.22).
Schmidt will graduate from Luther magna cum laude with a degree in biology. In May she will begin a three-year program at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse to pursue a doctor of physical therapy degree.
Schmidt is the daughter of Robin and Brian Schmidt of Claremont, Minn.
