INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Outgoing senior Nick Melanese of the Cal State San Marcos men's track & field team has been named as one of 42 recipients of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.
 
The NCAA awarded $10,000 to 42 student-athletes as part of its Postgraduate Scholarship program. These student-athletes, representing spring sports across all three NCAA divisions, demonstrated remarkable academic achievements, athletic excellence and leadership within their communities. 
 
Each year, the NCAA awards 126 postgraduate scholarships to student-athletes who have completed their final year of athletics competition. The scholarships are distributed three times annually — in the fall, winter and spring — providing 21 scholarships each to men and women per season. The award is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship aimed at funding graduate study at an accredited institution.
 
Earning a multitude of academic and athletic honors in his time at CSUSM from 2020 to 2025, some of Melanese's career highlights include being a 2024 NCAA Elite 90 Award winner, a 2024 CSC Academic All-American, a 2023 and 2025 CCAA Elite 13 Award winner, a two-time CCAA champion, a three-time USTFCCCA All-Region honoree, a NCAA Division II 50th Anniversary Scholarship recipient and a CSUSM Dean's Award winner.
 
Established in 1964, the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship program promotes and encourages graduate education by recognizing the Association's most accomplished student-athletes. The program evaluates candidates on their athletic and academic achievements, campus involvement, community service and leadership. An equitable selection process ensures that all nominees, regardless of sport, division, gender or race, are considered fairly.