The LSU nominees for the prestigious H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Post-Graduate Scholarship have been unveiled by the conference office, featuring Ellie Shank from LSU Beach Volleyball and Ben Koch from Men’s Tennis.
Since 1986, the Southeastern Conference has been presenting the H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Post-Graduate Scholarship to honor the top male and female scholar-athletes in the league. The recipients of the 2023 scholarship will be announced on May 2 by the Southeastern Conference.
Ellie Shank shines both on the sand and in academic pursuits. Her accolades include being a 2023 AVCA First Team All-American, 2023 CCSA All-Conference Team member, and winner of various national championships. Additionally, she has been recognized for her outstanding academic achievements and extensive community service contributions.
Having completed her undergraduate degree in Finance in December 2023, Shank has consistently excelled academically, earning spots on the LSU Dean’s List and President’s Honor Roll multiple times.
Ben Koch boasts an impressive academic and athletic resume, being a three-time ITA Scholar Athlete, two-time SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll member, and recipient of various prestigious awards, including the Wally Pontiff Jr. Award and LSU Community Service Athlete of the Year.
Furthermore, Koch’s athletic contributions have been instrumental in LSU’s success, including his pivotal role in securing victories and championships for the team.
The H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete of the Year Post-Graduate Scholarship recipients will receive a $20,000 post-graduate scholarship, while the remaining finalists will each receive a $10,000 scholarship.
The selection process involves a committee of Faculty Athletics Representatives from the 14 SEC institutions, with the recipients set to be announced in May during the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, Florida.
Among the notable past recipients of the McWhorter Award are LSU track and field athlete Jackson Martingayle and Lisa Gunnarsson and Kelly Quinn from LSU’s women’s track and field and volleyball teams, respectively.
