Cristina Lopez '20, a recent Vassar College graduate and field hockey standout, has become the first student-athlete from Vassar to be awarded the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. Announced on March 11, Lopez is one of just 21 female student-athletes across all NCAA divisions to receive this $10,000 scholarship for her academic and athletic excellence as she pursues her Master's in Social Work.

By the Numbers
  • Lopez concluded her career at Vassar with 14 goals, 24 assists, and 52 career points.
  • She recorded six game-winning goals, ranking tied for fourth in program history.
State of Play
  • Lopez was awarded multiple accolades, including four All-Liberty League selections and NFHCA All-American honors.
  • The NCAA allocates up to 126 postgraduate scholarships annually, equally divided between male and female athletes for various seasonal sports.
What's Next

Lopez plans to fully dedicate her time to her studies in graduate school, aiming to become a school social worker after graduation. This scholarship will significantly alleviate her financial burden as she navigates her final year of education.

Bottom Line

Lopez鈥檚 achievement highlights not only her dedication on the field but also her commitment to her education, showcasing the importance of balancing athletics and academics. Her journey serves as an inspiration for future student-athletes at Vassar.