The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has announced its 2026 postgraduate scholarship and award recipients, recognizing more than 60 student-athletes for their achievements in academics, athletics, and community service.
Among the honorees are Miami’s Sarah Sensenbrenner, a swimmer, and Robert Joseph from men’s track and field. Both were named Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship recipients. NCAA champion diver Chiara Pellacani and football All-American Rueben Bain from Miami were selected for the ACC Excellence Award list.
“Each year, our ACC Postgraduate Scholarship recipients redefine what it means to be a student-athlete,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “This year’s 63 honorees exemplify the relentless drive, leadership and integrity that distinguish the ACC both academically and athletically. Their ability to pursue excellence at the highest levels of competition while thriving in the classroom speaks volumes about their character and commitment. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and remain fully committed to supporting their continued success beyond their collegiate careers.”
The Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford and Jim & Pat Thacker postgraduate scholarships provide $9,000 each toward graduate education for selected student-athletes who plan to pursue advanced degrees after finishing undergraduate studies. Recipients are chosen based on academic performance, athletic distinction, exemplary conduct in the community, and a vote by Faculty Athletics Representatives at the ACC Winter Meetings.
Eligibility criteria for these scholarships include maintaining at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, completing seven semesters of coursework before receiving the award, earning a baccalaureate degree from an ACC institution, participating with distinction as a varsity athlete with local or national recognition, and upholding high standards of conduct on and off the field.
Since 1971, the ACC has annually awarded postgraduate scholarships to student-athletes. Over this period, more than $5.8 million has been distributed to over 1,000 individuals.
Each member school can nominate up to two candidates—one male and one female—for consideration for these awards. Student-athletes nominated for the ACC Excellence Award are also eligible for postgraduate scholarships.
The Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Award is named after former commissioners Jim Weaver, Bob James, Gene Corrigan, and John Swofford—all of whom contributed significantly to shaping the conference’s reputation in athletics and academics through decades of leadership.
The Thacker Award honors Jim and Pat Thacker of Charlotte; Jim Thacker was known as the primary play-by-play announcer for the first ACC television network. The award recognizes those who excel both in sports competition and academics while planning further study at an ACC institution.
The ACC Excellence Award highlights graduates who embody the ideal of a student-athlete through academic achievement, athletic performance, community contribution, and leadership within their schools.
