LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan University graduate Zachary Weis ('24) has been named a recipient of the prestigious Nick Mourouzis Postgraduate Scholarship for the 2024–25 academic year, as announced by Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society.
Weis, a standout goalkeeper on the Prairie Wolves men's soccer team, becomes the first NWU student-athlete to earn the $3,500 scholarship, which supports postgraduate education for high-achieving scholar-athletes. His selection also marks a milestone for Nebraska Wesleyan, which joined Chi Alpha Sigma as an institutional member last Fall.
To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must be inducted members of Chi Alpha Sigma from an active chapter, be enrolled full-time in a graduate program beginning in the upcoming academic year, and have exhausted all athletic eligibility prior to starting postgraduate coursework. Nominees are formally recommended by their chapter advisors and evaluated on academic excellence, athletic achievement, and leadership.
Weis (Omaha, Neb.) graduated in December with a perfect 4.0 GPA and was named a First Team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators in 2024, one of the highest honors in collegiate athletics. A four-year starter, Weis helped lead the Prairie Wolves to four straight conference tournament appearances while balancing rigorous academic and leadership commitments. He will be attending Harvard Law School this fall to prepare for a career in legal advocacy.
In addition to his Academic All-America recognition, Weis was a two time First Team All-Conference selection and served as the co-chair of Nebraska Wesleyan's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where he led campus-wide mental health initiatives and mentored young athletes in the Lincoln and Omaha areas through youth soccer programs. His impact extended beyond the pitch, where he played a key role in community engagement initiatives. Through his academic pursuits, Weis received grant funding to study transitional justice in Rwanda, where he conducted field research at governmental offices, community centers, genocide memorials, and a Reconciliation Village.
"Zach's selection is a proud moment for our university and our athletics program," said Braden Smith, NWU's Director of Athletic Communications. "As our first Chi Alpha Sigma scholarship recipient, he sets a powerful example of what it means to lead with integrity and purpose. We're thrilled to celebrate this achievement with him."
The Nick Mourouzis Postgraduate Scholarship is named in honor of the late Coach Nick Mourouzis, who founded Chi Alpha Sigma in 1996 to recognize student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically. Each year, the organization selects two recipients nationwide to receive the award.
Released in conjunction with Chi Alpha Sigma.
