Updated: Sept 28, 2025 by Leah Kim, chief editor for scholarshipsandgrants.us

Athletic Scholarships (2026) — Verified Awards & Deadlines for Student-Athletes

The most accurate, link-verified list of athletic scholarships and grants for U.S. high school seniors and college students. Sorted by month (Jan–Dec), each entry includes why it’s great, award amount, deadline, and the direct apply link.

Athletic Scholarships & Grants (Sorted Jan → Dec)

January

NCAA Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship
💥 Why It Slaps: The NCAA’s most prestigious academic award for former student-athletes heading to grad school; two national winners (one woman, one man). NCAA.org+1
💰 Amount: $24,000 (renewable for a 2nd year) NCAA.org
⏰ Deadline: January 5, 2026 (2025–26 cycle) NCAA.org
🔗 Apply/info: NCAA — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship (Fall Sports Window)
💥 Why It Slaps: Long-running NCAA award recognizing academic, athletic, and leadership excellence; dozens of recipients each season across all divisions. NCAA.org+1
💰 Amount: $10,000 NCAA.org
⏰ Deadline: January 5, 2026 (Fall window close) NCAA.org
🔗 Apply/info: NCAA — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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February

U.S. Figure Skating — Memorial Fund Academic & Scholastic Scholarships
💥 Why It Slaps: National-level figure skating scholarships with an annual application window (opens early Dec; runs ~8–10 weeks). Varsity.com
💰 Amount: Varies (multiple awards) Varsity.com
⏰ Deadline: Late February (varies by year; see program page) Varsity.com
🔗 Apply/info: U.S. Figure Skating — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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March

Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Scholarships
💥 Why It Slaps: Well-known shooting-sports scholarships for JROTC/air rifle and marksmanship student-athletes. USA Boxing Foundation
💰 Amount: Typically $1,000+ (multiple awards) USA Boxing Foundation
⏰ Deadline: March 31 (annual) USA Boxing Foundation
🔗 Apply/info: CMP — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

USHJA (Hunter/Jumper) — Grants & Scholarships (incl. Gochman Grant; Hamel Family Scholarship)
💥 Why It Slaps: National hunter/jumper awards that help riders with access and education; core applications typically close mid-March. ushja.org+1
💰 Amount: Varies (from program grants to multi-$1,000 scholarships) ushja.org+1
⏰ Deadline: Around March 15 (check each program tile) ushja.org
🔗 Apply/info: USHJA — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship (Winter Sports Window)
💥 Why It Slaps: Same elite NCAA award; winter sport cohort. NCAA.org
💰 Amount: $10,000 NCAA.org
⏰ Deadline: March 9, 2026 (winter window close) NCAA.org
🔗 Apply/info: NCAA — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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April

USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Scholarships
💥 Why It Slaps: A bundle of national scholarships across water ski & wake disciplines (AWSA/NCWSA and more). USA-WWF+1
💰 Amount: Commonly $1,000–$5,000 (varies by scholarship) USA-WWF
⏰ Deadline: Typically April 1 (annual cycle; see scholarship tiles) Facebook
🔗 Apply/info: USA-WWF — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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May

USA Boxing Foundation Scholarships
💥 Why It Slaps: National awards for USA Boxing members actively competing, supporting trade/undergrad/grad study. USA Boxing Foundation
💰 Amount: Up to $30,000 total distributed to recipients (amounts vary) USA Boxing Foundation
⏰ Deadline: May 1, 2025 (annual; watch page for 2026 dates) USA Boxing Foundation
🔗 Apply/info: USA Boxing Foundation — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

US Youth Soccer — William J. “Billy” Goaziou Scholarship
💥 Why It Slaps: National USYS scholarship (1 female, 1 male) emphasizing community service & giving back to the game. US Youth Soccer
💰 Amount: $1,500 each (two awards) US Youth Soccer
⏰ Deadline: May 9, 2025 (PDF application; annual cycle) US Youth Soccer
🔗 Apply/info: US Youth Soccer (application PDF) — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship (Spring Sports Window)
💥 Why It Slaps: Spring sport cohort of the NCAA’s flagship graduate award. NCAA.org
💰 Amount: $10,000 NCAA.org
⏰ Deadline: May 4, 2026 (spring window close) NCAA.org
🔗 Apply/info: NCAA — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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June

BigSun Athletics Scholarship
💥 Why It Slaps: Open to all student-athletes (any sport, any role); simple essay; long-time favorite. bigsunathletics.com
💰 Amount: $500 (1 award) bigsunathletics.com
⏰ Deadline: June 19, 2026 (2026 cycle now posted) bigsunathletics.com
🔗 Apply/info: BigSun Athletics — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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July

USEF Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship (College Freshmen)
💥 Why It Slaps: Five $1,000 awards for graduating seniors who are USEF members and pursuing college while continuing equestrian involvement. US Equestrian
💰 Amount: $1,000 (five awards annually) US Equestrian
⏰ Deadline: July 31 (annual) US Equestrian
🔗 Apply/info: US Equestrian — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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August

Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) Scholarships
💥 Why It Slaps: National scholastic rowing body supporting graduating athletes with college-bound awards. SRAA
💰 Amount: $16,000 total annually (multiple awards) SRAA
⏰ Deadline: Typically May 1; recipients announced over summer (check page for next cycle) SRAA
🔗 Apply/info: SRAA — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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September

(No major national athlete-specific deadlines verified here for Sept—most open in Oct/Nov. Keep scrolling.)

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October

Pop Warner Little Scholars — All-American Scholar Program (with College Scholarship Awards)
💥 Why It Slaps: Long-standing national recognition for youth football/cheer scholar-athletes; top seniors become eligible for national scholarships. popwarner.com+1
💰 Amount: Varies (national fund awards; regional awards also common) popwarner.com
⏰ Deadline: October 1 (All-American application; scholarship eligibility flows from All-American status) popwarner.com
🔗 Apply/info: Pop Warner — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

LPGA Foundation — Marilynn Smith Scholarship
💥 Why It Slaps: Flagship LPGA Foundation college scholarship for female golfers; 25 awards granted in 2024 with applications continuing into 2024–25. LPGA
💰 Amount: $5,000 (multiple awards) LPGA
⏰ Deadline: Opens during the academic year; follow LPGA page for current close date (typically winter). LPGA
🔗 Apply/info: LPGA Foundation — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

LPGA Foundation — Dinah Shore Scholarship
💥 Why It Slaps: Academic scholarship honoring Dinah Shore’s legacy; strong fit for college-bound female golfers. NATA Foundation
💰 Amount: (Program annually awards significant scholarships; see page for current amounts) NATA Foundation
⏰ Deadline: See LPGA page (annual cycle posts each fall/winter). LPGA
🔗 Apply/info: LPGA Foundation — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

LPGA Foundation — Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship
💥 Why It Slaps: Aims to support exceptional Black female golfers pursuing higher education. Women’s Sports Foundation
💰 Amount: (Program scholarship; see page for current amount) Women’s Sports Foundation
⏰ Deadline: See LPGA page (annual cycle posts each fall/winter). LPGA
🔗 Apply/info: LPGA Foundation — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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November

PGA WORKS — John & Tamara Lundgren Scholars (PGA Golf Management University)
💥 Why It Slaps: $8,000 scholarships for students in accredited PGA Golf Management University Programs; focused on historically underrepresented backgrounds. PGA REACH+1
💰 Amount: $8,000 (multiple awards) PGA REACH
⏰ Deadline: Applications reopen December 2025 for the next class (monitor page each fall). PGA REACH
🔗 Apply/info: PGA of America REACH / PGA WORKS — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) — Academic Scholarships
💥 Why It Slaps: National cue-sports foundation funding college-bound junior players; app window typically opens in fall with spring due dates. billiardeducation.org
💰 Amount: Varies (multiple awards annually) billiardeducation.org
⏰ Deadline: See BEF “Scholarships” page (annual cycle). billiardeducation.org
🔗 Apply/info: BEF — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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December

USBC Youth — Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow (Girls)
💥 Why It Slaps: One of bowling’s most recognized national scholarships; application hub lists key dates. Bowling.com+1
💰 Amount: $6,000 (2025–26 cycle shows amount on USBC page) Bowling.com
⏰ Deadline: December 1 (applications generally open Oct 1) Bowling.com
🔗 Apply/info: USBC Youth — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

USBC Youth — Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow (Boys)
💥 Why It Slaps: Companion national scholarship for male youth bowlers. BigFuture+1
💰 Amount: $6,000 (per USBC scholarship hub) Bowling.com
⏰ Deadline: December 1 (apps open Oct 1) Bowling.com
🔗 Apply/info: USBC Youth — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

USBC Youth — Dexter High School All-American Team
💥 Why It Slaps: Recognizes 10 HS bowlers (5 girls/5 boys) for on-lane + classroom success. Bowling.com
💰 Amount: $1,000 scholarship per honoree (team recognition) Bowling.com
⏰ Deadline: December 1 (typical; see program page) Bowling.com
🔗 Apply/info: USBC — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

USBC Youth — Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship
💥 Why It Slaps: Honors one of bowling’s greats; five awards each cycle. BigFuture
💰 Amount: $5,000 (five awards) BigFuture
⏰ Deadline: December 1 (apps open Oct 1) Bowling.com
🔗 Apply/info: USBC Youth — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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“Open Year-Round / Varies by Window” (apply dates differ by program)

USTA Foundation — College/Scholarships (incl. PTM pathways)
💥 Why It Slaps: The USTA Foundation’s national scholarship hub for tennis-involved students (plus PTM opportunities). First Tee+1
💰 Amount: Varies by scholarship First Tee
⏰ Deadline: Cycles posted on USTA pages; monitor annually. First Tee
🔗 Apply/info: USTA Foundation — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

SSSF — Scholastic Shooting Sports (SCTP & SASP) Scholarships
💥 Why It Slaps: National clay target & action-shooting scholarships through the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation. sssfonline.org
💰 Amount: Varies (multiple awards) sssfonline.org
⏰ Deadline: Annual spring window; check current year page. sssfonline.org
🔗 Apply/info: SSSF — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

AIM (Amateur Trapshooting Association) Scholarships
💥 Why It Slaps: ATA’s scholastic arm provides academic awards for active youth shooters. aim4ata.com
💰 Amount: Varies by scholarship (see application) aim4ata.com
⏰ Deadline: Annual (varies; see each form) aim4ata.com
🔗 Apply/info: ATA/AIM — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

USA Clay Target League — Scholarship Programs (Boys & Girls)
💥 Why It Slaps: Nationwide clay-target league offering boys’ and girls’ scholarship programs. USA Clay Target League
💰 Amount: Varies (see program pages) USA Clay Target League
⏰ Deadline: Annual (varies; see state/national page) USA Clay Target League
🔗 Apply/info: USACTL — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

PGA WORKS Collegiate / PGA REACH — (Golf industry pathways)
💥 Why It Slaps: Industry-facing scholarships and paid fellowships that open doors in golf careers. PGA REACH
💰 Amount: Varies (scholarships & paid fellowships) PGA REACH
⏰ Deadline: Varies by program; see site. PGA REACH
🔗 Apply/info: PGA REACH / PGA WORKS — ✅ Link verified September 28, 2025.

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Notes on Programs Recently Changed/Discontinued

• Heisman High School Scholarship — The program was discontinued in October 2024; the site now hosts past winners only. If you’ve listed this historically, please remove or archive it. heismanscholarship.com

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Monthly Update (September 2025)

• Verified every link above as of September 28, 2025 and removed the Heisman High School Scholarship (program discontinued). heismanscholarship.com

• Added/confirmed: BigSun (2026 cycle posted), USBC scholarship hub (Dec 1 deadlines), USEF Higher Education Scholarship (July 31), USA Boxing Foundation (May 1), US Youth Soccer Goaziou (PDF; May 9), and updated NCAA Postgraduate & Walter Byers timelines for the 2025–26 cycle. NCAA.org+6bigsunathletics.com+6Bowling.com+6

FAQs: Athletic Scholarships (2025–26)

How rare are true “full rides”?
Full rides exist, but they’re concentrated in a small set of Division I “headcount” sports. Most other sports are “equivalency,” where coaches split a fixed pool of aid across many athletes—so partials are the norm. Always confirm the sport’s status at your target school.

Can athletic scholarships stack with academic or need-based aid?
Often yes. Many schools let athletic, academic, and need-based awards combine—but financial aid offices may reduce need-based aid if your total exceeds demonstrated need. Ask both the coach and the aid office how stacking works at that campus.

Do Division III athletes get athletic scholarships?
No athletic scholarships at DIII—but athletes can still receive academic merit, need-based aid, and outside scholarships. Coaches can advocate for recruits in admissions/aid, but the dollars cannot be “athletic” by rule.

What about NAIA and NJCAA (junior colleges)?
NAIA and NJCAA can offer athletic aid and are great pathways—especially for late bloomers, international students, or transfers. Many athletes spend 1–2 years at a JUCO, then move to four-year programs with improved scholarship options.

How does NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) affect scholarships?
NIL earnings are separate from your athletic scholarship. They don’t “count” as athletic aid, but they can be taxable and may affect need-based aid calculations. Coordinate with your school’s compliance and financial aid office.

Is the National Letter of Intent (NLI) binding?
Signing the NLI is a binding commitment to attend a specific school for one academic year in exchange for athletic aid. There are limited circumstances for release. Read the NLI carefully; if you’re under 21, a parent/guardian usually must co-sign.

What if a coach “offers” me before I’m admitted?
Admission and scholarship are separate. A verbal offer isn’t binding; the academic admit decision and the signed financial aid agreement control the money. Keep your grades strong and confirm timelines with both coach and admissions.

Can walk-ons get scholarships later?
Yes. Preferred or regular walk-ons can earn athletic aid in future years. Meanwhile, they can use academic/need-based/outside scholarships. Be aware that once a walk-on receives athletic aid, roster and scholarship-counting rules change.

I got injured—what happens to my scholarship?
Outcomes vary by school and agreement. Some programs honor aid during injury; others offer medical hardship or a roster spot without aid. Multi-year athletic scholarships exist at some schools; most are one-year renewable. Clarify renewal terms in writing.

How do recruiting “contact periods” and visits work?
The NCAA/NAIA set calendars for when coaches can contact you and when you can take official visits (school-paid) vs. unofficial visits (self-paid). Use team questionnaires, highlight film, and camp invites early; follow each association’s calendar.

Are homeschoolers eligible?
Yes. You’ll need detailed transcripts, course descriptions, and proof of graduation. Standardized tests can help with placement and admissions, even at test-optional schools.

International student here—any special hurdles?
Expect transcript evaluation, English-proficiency documentation (if required), and visa timelines. Many coaches actively recruit abroad; NJCAA/NAIA can be friendly on-ramps. Start earlier to handle immigration and credential reviews.

How do I spot scholarship scams?
Red flags: fees to apply, vague criteria, “guaranteed” awards, and links that don’t land on an official organization or school page. On ScholarshipsAndGrants.us we only list direct, official apply links and tag them “✅ Link verified [date].” Never pay to apply.

Will outside scholarships reduce my athletic aid?
Sometimes. In equivalency sports, outside awards can affect how a coach allocates team dollars, and need-based aid may adjust. Tell both the coach and aid office about any new awards immediately.

Are athletic scholarships taxable?
Amounts used for qualified educational expenses (tuition, required fees, required books) are typically not taxed; portions used for room/board or stipends may be taxable. Keep records and consult a tax professional for your situation.

What should be in my highlight reel?
Short (2–4 minutes), position-specific clips first, then athletic IQ moments (decision-making, off-ball play). Add basic context (opponent, event level) in captions. Host on a stable platform and include it in emails to coaches.

How early should I contact coaches?
Sophomore–junior year is common, earlier for early-commit sports. Send concise emails with GPA/test info (if available), key stats/verified times, schedule, reel link, and why you fit their program. Update after big results.

Can managers, trainers, or team support staff get “athletic” scholarships?
Usually not athletic scholarships, but some organizations and schools have student-manager or leadership awards and plenty of general scholarships (including some on our list like BigSun) open to any student active in sports. Read each program’s eligibility carefully.

How do I use this page efficiently?

1. Filter by your sport and class year, 2) Jump to your application month(s), 3) Start with the largest/earliest deadlines, 4) Track requirements (transcript, recs, verifications), 5) Re-check links monthly—cycles shift, and we update dates and “✅ Verified” tags accordingly.