INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Memphis is proud to announce that Jack Kersey, a standout student-athlete on the rifle team, has been awarded a prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship for the winter 2024-25 sports season. This honor is among the highest academic and athletic distinctions awarded by the NCAA.

"This award is truly an honor and I am proud to represent the University of Memphis on a national level," Kersey said. "This award is given to student-athletes that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to all aspects of the student-athlete experience. During my time at Memphis, I have learned what it means to take full advantage of all the opportunities that are afforded to me. I hope this inspires other Memphis student-athletes to make the most of their experience here and strive for excellence outside of competitions for the university." 

Each year, the NCAA awards up to 126 postgraduate scholarships to student-athletes who have completed their final year of athletics competition across all three NCAA divisions, and who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, athletic excellence and leadership within their communities.

The $10,000 scholarships are distributed three times annually — in the fall, winter and spring — providing 21 scholarships each to male and female student-athletes per season. The award is a one-time, nonrenewable scholarship intended to support graduate study at an accredited institution. The program evaluates candidates on their athletic and academic achievements, campus involvement, community service and leadership. 

"As the Faculty Athletics Representative for the UofM, it was my privilege to nominate Jack for the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship," said Memphis FAR Lynda Wray Black. "From a highly competitive field of applicants from across the nation, Jack has been recognized for his sustained dedication to excellence in both his academic pursuits and his athletic performance on our Rifle team. Our university and our community have benefitted from Jack's leadership and service, and he has represented the voice of the student-athlete well at the Conference level. Jack is such a deserving recipient of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship."

Elected as team captain, Kersey ended his rifle career by shooting in all 14 matches in 2024-25, finishing with averages of 576.4 in smallbore, 589.6 in air rifle and 1166 in aggregate. He posted nine top-10 finishes in aggregate scoring, including a 4^th-place finish against Army. Kersey also finished top-10 nine times in air rifle and five times in smallbore.

"I can't think of anyone more deserving of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship than Jack," said Memphis Rifle head coach Morgan Phillips. "He has been the true embodiment of a student-athlete over his five years at Memphis.

"Balancing academics and athletics is already hard enough, but Jack also took on more responsibility serving as SAAC President over the last two years. He is proud to be a Tiger and to serve his community. Jack has very specific postgraduate plans and I know this scholarship will help him reach his goals. We are all very excited to see what Jack accomplishes in his future."

Kersey graduated magna cum laude with honors with a bachelor's degree in sport and leisure management, while minoring in English. He is currently working towards a Master of Business Administration and will use the scholarship money to help him complete his degree in the Fall of 2025.

As an undergrad, Kersey was a member of Eta Sigma Delta and was named the Great American Rifle Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2024. He also earned Academic All-American honors from 2020 to 2025 and was named a to the Graduate Student Association Top 30 Under 35.

Kersey has also served as the President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee the past two years and as Chair of the American Athletic Conference SAAC executive board, which allowed him to represent the AAC on bigger stage at the National Division I SAAC. He was also on the University of Memphis President Advisory Council as a representative of Tiger Athletics.

"Jack has made an outstanding impact both on campus and at the conference level, serving as our SAAC Co-President and as a member of the conference SAAC executive board," said Memphis Director of Student-Athlete Development Destin Gilbert. "His drive to leave Memphis better than he found it has fueled a passionate and motivated effort to ensure that student-athletes' voices are heard at all levels.

"Through his leadership and actions, he has also helped guide the department to two of its most successful years of community outreach in the Memphis area during his time in service."

Kersey plans to move back home to Washington, D.C. in July to be a legal research assistant for a law firm while he prepares to attend Law School.

For more information about the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship program, visit www.ncaa.org.