Former Kennesaw State volleyball player Manu Johnsen has been awarded a prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, marking her as a standout among 42 selected student-athletes. She is the first recipient from KSU since the 2016-17 season. This $10,000 nonrenewable scholarship recognizes exceptional academic, athletic, and leadership accomplishments. Johnsen, from Copenhagen, Denmark, concluded her KSU career with numerous accolades, including a perfect 4.0 GPA and breaking school records for career kills and points. She has now transitioned to California to play beach volleyball for USC while pursuing her master's degree.

By the Numbers
  • First KSU athlete to win the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship since 2016-17.
  • Achieved 1,584 career kills, and 1,808.5 career points.
  • Graduated in 3.5 years with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Yes, But

While Johnsen's accomplishments are commendable, some may argue that the NCAA scholarships are highly competitive, and many deserving athletes also lack recognition. Additionally, the focus on individual accolades may overshadow team dynamics in sports.

State of Play
  • Johnsen's transition from indoor to beach volleyball highlights the growing trend of athletes diversifying their sports careers.
  • The NCAA continues to support student-athletes' academic ambitions with scholarships that are critical for graduate studies.
What's Next

Johnsen is expected to pursue a successful career in beach volleyball at USC while furthering her education. Her achievements may inspire other athletes at KSU and beyond to strive for excellence in both academics and athletics.

Bottom Line

Manu Johnsen's award represents a significant achievement for Kennesaw State, showcasing the potential of student-athletes to excel academically and athletically. Her journey emphasizes the importance of pursuing goals both on and off the court, inspiring future generations of athletes.