Marshall University Athletics
Marshall’s Ethan Bowens Earns NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship
7/30/2026 10:00:00 AM | General, Track and Field, Student-Athlete Success
Wayne native one of only 42 nationally to earn $10,000 spring award from NCAA
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Track & Field student-athlete Ethan Bowens was named as a 2026 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient for the Spring 2026 sports cycle, the NCAA released recently.
Bowens was one of only 42 nationally to receive the prestigious honor for the spring cycle, which carries with it a $10,000 scholarship that goes toward graduate studies.
"We are incredibly proud of Ethan for receiving this prestigious honor and thankful to the NCAA for recognizing his efforts," said Gerald J. Harrison, Marshall's Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Ethan embodies everything that the Herd Mentality represents, showing leadership in athletics, academics and the community while also being a wonderful ambassador for Marshall Athletics. Being one of only 42 recognized for the spring season among the thousands of student-athletes nationally is an amazing accomplishment that everyone at Marshall University should be proud of."
The award recognizes student-athletes from spring sports across all three divisions – Division I, Division II and Division III – who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, athletic excellence and leadership within their communities.
Bowens' recognition continues a pathway of excellence and recognition that has spanned the academic and athletic circles.
The Wayne, W.Va., native was recognized last October at the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Honors Banquet in Atlanta after winning the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Overall Male Postgraduate Scholarship Award – the Sun Belt's highest academic honor for a male student-athlete.
That award came after Bowens was recognized during Marshall University's 36th annual Health Sciences Day as the "Best Undergraduate Student" for his studies in Exercise Science on the impacts of zero gravity on muscle size, based on variables of age and gender.
The research project gave insight into how muscle atrophies during space travel and how results vary based on the variables of the astronauts involved.
The goal of the research was to bring key data that can help future astronauts prepare for missions and to show how resistance training can help offset the atrophic effects astronauts experience.
In addition to the awards listed, Bowens' extensive work led to a research fellowship through NASA's West Virginia Space Grant Consortium.
Each year, the NCAA awards 126 total postgraduate scholarships to student-athletes who have completed their final year of athletics competition. There are 42 student-athletes – 21 men, 21 women – awarded for each of the fall, winter and spring sports cycles.
Established in 1964, the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship program promotes and encourages graduate education by recognizing the Association's most accomplished student-athletes. The program evaluates candidates on their athletic and academic achievements, campus involvement, community service and leadership. An equitable selection process ensures that all nominees - regardless of sport, division, gender or race - are considered fairly.
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