Four Cardinals Recognized as ACC Postgraduate Scholars
February 18, 2026 | Field Hockey, General, Women's Volleyball, Academic Services, Track & Field
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Four University of Louisville student-athletes have been recognized by the Atlantic Coast Conference as recipients of ACC postgraduate scholarship awards, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday.
Chloe Cuzzupe (field hockey) and Roman Kuleshov (men's track & field) were selected as two of the 32 recipients throughout the conference of the 2026 Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship Award, while Kuleshov was also one of just three student-athletes across the ACC to receive the Jim & Pat Thacker Scholarship Award.
In addition, Izzy Bianco (field hockey) and Hannah Sherman (volleyball) were named to the 2026 ACC Excellence Award List.
"Each year, our ACC Postgraduate Scholarship recipients redefine what it means to be a student-athlete," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "This year's 63 honorees exemplify the relentless drive, leadership and integrity that distinguish the ACC both academically and athletically. Their ability to pursue excellence at the highest levels of competition while thriving in the classroom speaks volumes about their character and commitment. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and remain fully committed to supporting their continued success beyond their collegiate careers."
The Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford and Jim & Pat Thacker postgraduate scholarships are awarded to selected student-athletes who intend to pursue a graduate degree after completing their undergraduate requirements. Each recipient will receive $9,000 toward his or her graduate education. Those honored have performed with distinction in both the classroom and their respective sport while demonstrating exemplary conduct in the community and were chosen by a vote of the league's FARs at the ACC Winter Meetings.
Chloe Cuzzupe
Cuzzupe was a mainstay in Louisville's midfield and a leader both on and off the field, serving as team co-captain in the 2025 season. Throughout her career, she played in 74 games and tallied seven goals and two assists, helping the Cardinals to a pair NCAA tournament appearances including one quarterfinal showing. Off the field, the Woodstown, N.J. served as a member of ACC Field Hockey's Student-Athlete Advisory Council (2024-present) and treasurer of Alpha Epsilon Delta since 2023. The biology/biomedical sciences major is a four-time All-ACC Academic Team honoree, a two-time NFHCA Scholar of Distinction and has been a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society since 2024. Cuzzupe will earn her bachelor's degree in May 2026.
Roman Kuleshov
Kuleshov is in his third season of the Louisville track & field program, where he competes primarily in the triple jump. Last season, he qualified for the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships in the event, where he placed 16th to earn USTFCCCA Second Team All-American distinction. He also earned bronze medals in the triple jump at both the ACC Indoor Championships and ACC Outdoor Championships during the 2025 season. A native of Nizhnekamask, Russia, Kuleshov has been named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team twice throughout his career and the All-ACC Academic Team three times, once during the indoor season and twice during the outdoor season.
Izzy Bianco
Bianco anchored the Cardinals' midfield throughout her career. The two-time captain finished her senior season as a National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-West Region first team selection after earning second team honors in 2024. The Berlin, N.J., native was also selected to the NFHCA Collegiate Senior Team. During her time at UofL she played in 77 games, scoring nine goals and dishing out six assists and helped the Cardinals to a pair NCAA tournament appearances including one quarterfinal showing. In addition to her collegiate success, Bianco helped the USA Field Hockey U-21 team to Silver Medals at the Junior Pan American Championship in 2024 and 2025.
Bianco served as the president of UofL's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, after serving as Vice President for marketing last year. She was also a member of the ACC Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was recognized as one of Louisville's ACC Top 6 for Service in 2025, standing among the Cardinals leaders in community service. The sport administration major earned her bachelor's degree in December 2025 and was a four-time All-ACC Academic Team selection and three-time NFHCA Scholar of Distinction honoree.
Hannah Sherman
Sherman, the starting middle blocker for the Louisville volleyball team, was voted ACC Defensive Player of the Week twice last season and was third in the ACC in blocks/set at 1.44 and third in total blocks (174). She ranked No. 19 in the nation in blocks/set and No. 7 in total blocks. She tied the school record for blocks in a match with 14 versus Georgia Tech and had 11 blocks against Kentucky, 13 blocks against North Carolina, and 10 against Wake Forest. The Silver Spring, Md. native started every match this season and had .471 hitting against Northern Iowa (9-1-17), .800 versus Clemson (4-0-5), .857 against Marquette (6-0-7) and had a season-high 15 points against rival Kentucky.
To be eligible for ACC Postgraduate Scholarships, nominees must have distinguished themselves both academically and athletically with an overall minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or its equivalent. The student-athlete must have completed at least seven semesters and complete their baccalaureate degree, at an ACC institution, prior to receiving the postgraduate scholarship, and performed with distinction as a member of a varsity team specifically represented by local, conference, regional and/or national athletic recognition. The nominees also must have conducted themselves, both on and off the field, in a manner that has brought credit to themselves, their institution, intercollegiate athletics, and the ideals and objectives of higher education.
The ACC has selected postgraduate scholarship recipients annually since 1971. Over that time, the league has provided nearly $5.8 million to over 1,000 ACC student-athletes.
The following student-athletes will be recognized as 2026 ACC Postgraduate Scholars:
Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Award Recipients
Name, Sport, Institution
Ask Ekeland, Men's Soccer, Boston College
Eva Kluskens, Field Hockey, Boston College
Matthew Waddell, Men's Rowing, California
Olivia Sharratt, Field Hockey, California
Isabella Rawl, Women's Golf, Clemson
Paris Masaracchia, Women's Lacrosse, Clemson
Charles Johnson, Men's Lacrosse, Duke
Sydney Smith, Women's Lacrosse, Duke
Audrey Koenig, Women's Beach Volleyball, Florida State
Tommaso Baravelli, Men's Swimming and Diving, Florida State
Alejandra Cruz, Women's Tennis, Georgia Tech
Joe Fusile, Football, Georgia Tech
Chloe Cuzzupe, Field Hockey, Louisville
Roman Kuleshov, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Louisville
Robert Joseph, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Miami
Sarah Sensenbrenner, Women's Swimming & Diving, Miami
Gwendolyn Fink, Women's Gymnastics, North Carolina
Trevor Paschall, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, North Carolina
Aidan Payne, Men's Soccer, NC State
Grace Hartman, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field, NC State
Julia Clavi, Women's Rowing, Notre Dame
Thomas Ricciardelli, Men's Lacrosse, Notre Dame
Claire Jansen, Women's Swimming & Diving, Pitt
Elise Evans, Women's Soccer, Stanford
Emma Muchnik, Women's Lacrosse, Syracuse
Ruben Rojas Betanzos, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Syracuse
Lauren Kenah, Field Hockey, Virginia
Nick Hamilton, Wrestling, Virginia
Kylie Aldridge, Softball, Virginia Tech
Lauren Hargrove, Women's Soccer, Virginia Tech
Amelia Eve Frey, Field Hockey, Wake Forest
Paige Elizabeth Crawford, Women's Volleyball, Wake Forest
Jim & Pat Thacker Scholarship Award Recipients
Name, Sport, Institution
Olivia Sharratt, Field Hockey, California
Roman Kuleshov, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Louisville
Thomas Ricciardelli, Men's Lacrosse, Notre Dame
2026 ACC Excellence Award List
Name, Sport, Institution
Luca Lombardo, Football, Boston College
Shea Baker, Women's Lacrosse, Boston College
Jasper Smith-Gordon, Women's Gymnastics, California
Torre Anderson, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field, California
Aidan Knaak, Baseball, Clemson
Gabrielle Clark, Women's Gymnastics, Clemson
Aidan Maguire, Men's Lacrosse, Duke
Andie Smith, Women's Golf, Duke
Sophia Nguyen, Women's Soccer, Florida State
Anna Hadjiloizou, Women's Swimming & Diving, Georgia Tech
Drew Burress, Baseball, Georgia Tech
Izzy Bianco, Field Hockey, Louisville
Hannah Sherman, Volleyball, Louisville
Chiara Pellacani, Women's Swimming & Diving, Miami
Rueben Bain Jr., Football, Miami
Keaton Vo, Men's Golf, North Carolina
Reese Brantmeier, Women's Tennis, North Carolina
Anthony Carter Jr., Football, NC State
Leah Klenke, Women's Soccer, Notre Dame
William Donovan, Men's Lacrosse, Notre Dame
Jackson Gilman, Men's Soccer, Pitt
Enzo Panozzo, Men's Soccer, SMU
Mackenzie Lee, Women's Golf, SMU
Brandy Atuatasi, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field, Stanford
Zach Buckey, Football, Stanford
Benjamin Campbell Reide, Men's Rowing, Syracuse
Dana Shearer, Women's Rowing, Syracuse
Gary Martin, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Virginia
Lia Godfrey, Women's Soccer, Virginia
Kylie Aldridge , Softball, Virginia Tech *
Lauren Hargrove, Women's Soccer, Virginia Tech *
Cooper Andrew Flax, Men's Soccer, Wake Forest
Dhakshineswar Suresh Ekambaram, Men's Tennis, Wake Forest
*also a recipient of the Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford-Award
About the Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Award
The Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Award is named in honor of former ACC commissioners Jim Weaver, Bob James, Gene Corrigan and John Swofford. The league's first commissioner, James H. Weaver, served the conference from 1954-70 after a stint as the Director of Athletics at Wake Forest. His early leadership and uncompromising integrity are largely responsible for the excellent reputation enjoyed by the ACC today.
Robert C. James, a former Maryland football player, was named commissioner in 1971 and served in that capacity for 16 years. During his tenure, the league continued to grow in stature and became recognized as a national leader in athletics and academics, winning 23 national championships and maintaining standards of excellence in the classroom.
Eugene F. Corrigan assumed his role as the third full-time commissioner on September 1, 1987, and served until August of 1997. During Corrigan's tenure, ACC schools captured 30 NCAA championships and two national football titles.
John Swofford was named the fourth commissioner of the ACC on July 1, 1997, and served until June 2021. He was instrumental in starting in the launch of the ACC Network. ACC programs won 92 national titles in 19 sports while he was commissioner.
Before 1994, the Weaver-James postgraduate scholarships were awarded as separate honors, including the Jim Weaver Award, the Marie James Award and the Bob James Award.
About the Thacker Award
The Thacker Award, which originated in 2005, is awarded in honor of the late Jim and Pat Thacker of Charlotte, North Carolina. Jim Thacker was the primary play-by-play announcer for the ACC's first television network. Recipients of the award must demonstrate outstanding performance both in athletic competition and in the classroom and intend to further their education through postgraduate studies at an ACC institution.
About the ACC Excellence Award
The ACC Excellence Award recognizes outstanding graduates from our ACC member institutions. The goal of the award is to highlight the students embodying the student-athlete ideal. The brand of the ACC is our strong history of providing world-class education and competition. The awardees are exemplary students, athletes, and contributors to the community and society and serve as an example to their fellow students.
Chloe Cuzzupe (field hockey) and Roman Kuleshov (men's track & field) were selected as two of the 32 recipients throughout the conference of the 2026 Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship Award, while Kuleshov was also one of just three student-athletes across the ACC to receive the Jim & Pat Thacker Scholarship Award.
In addition, Izzy Bianco (field hockey) and Hannah Sherman (volleyball) were named to the 2026 ACC Excellence Award List.
"Each year, our ACC Postgraduate Scholarship recipients redefine what it means to be a student-athlete," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "This year's 63 honorees exemplify the relentless drive, leadership and integrity that distinguish the ACC both academically and athletically. Their ability to pursue excellence at the highest levels of competition while thriving in the classroom speaks volumes about their character and commitment. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and remain fully committed to supporting their continued success beyond their collegiate careers."
The Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford and Jim & Pat Thacker postgraduate scholarships are awarded to selected student-athletes who intend to pursue a graduate degree after completing their undergraduate requirements. Each recipient will receive $9,000 toward his or her graduate education. Those honored have performed with distinction in both the classroom and their respective sport while demonstrating exemplary conduct in the community and were chosen by a vote of the league's FARs at the ACC Winter Meetings.
Chloe Cuzzupe
Cuzzupe was a mainstay in Louisville's midfield and a leader both on and off the field, serving as team co-captain in the 2025 season. Throughout her career, she played in 74 games and tallied seven goals and two assists, helping the Cardinals to a pair NCAA tournament appearances including one quarterfinal showing. Off the field, the Woodstown, N.J. served as a member of ACC Field Hockey's Student-Athlete Advisory Council (2024-present) and treasurer of Alpha Epsilon Delta since 2023. The biology/biomedical sciences major is a four-time All-ACC Academic Team honoree, a two-time NFHCA Scholar of Distinction and has been a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society since 2024. Cuzzupe will earn her bachelor's degree in May 2026.
Roman Kuleshov
Kuleshov is in his third season of the Louisville track & field program, where he competes primarily in the triple jump. Last season, he qualified for the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships in the event, where he placed 16th to earn USTFCCCA Second Team All-American distinction. He also earned bronze medals in the triple jump at both the ACC Indoor Championships and ACC Outdoor Championships during the 2025 season. A native of Nizhnekamask, Russia, Kuleshov has been named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team twice throughout his career and the All-ACC Academic Team three times, once during the indoor season and twice during the outdoor season.
Izzy Bianco
Bianco anchored the Cardinals' midfield throughout her career. The two-time captain finished her senior season as a National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-West Region first team selection after earning second team honors in 2024. The Berlin, N.J., native was also selected to the NFHCA Collegiate Senior Team. During her time at UofL she played in 77 games, scoring nine goals and dishing out six assists and helped the Cardinals to a pair NCAA tournament appearances including one quarterfinal showing. In addition to her collegiate success, Bianco helped the USA Field Hockey U-21 team to Silver Medals at the Junior Pan American Championship in 2024 and 2025.
Bianco served as the president of UofL's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, after serving as Vice President for marketing last year. She was also a member of the ACC Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was recognized as one of Louisville's ACC Top 6 for Service in 2025, standing among the Cardinals leaders in community service. The sport administration major earned her bachelor's degree in December 2025 and was a four-time All-ACC Academic Team selection and three-time NFHCA Scholar of Distinction honoree.
Hannah Sherman
Sherman, the starting middle blocker for the Louisville volleyball team, was voted ACC Defensive Player of the Week twice last season and was third in the ACC in blocks/set at 1.44 and third in total blocks (174). She ranked No. 19 in the nation in blocks/set and No. 7 in total blocks. She tied the school record for blocks in a match with 14 versus Georgia Tech and had 11 blocks against Kentucky, 13 blocks against North Carolina, and 10 against Wake Forest. The Silver Spring, Md. native started every match this season and had .471 hitting against Northern Iowa (9-1-17), .800 versus Clemson (4-0-5), .857 against Marquette (6-0-7) and had a season-high 15 points against rival Kentucky.
To be eligible for ACC Postgraduate Scholarships, nominees must have distinguished themselves both academically and athletically with an overall minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or its equivalent. The student-athlete must have completed at least seven semesters and complete their baccalaureate degree, at an ACC institution, prior to receiving the postgraduate scholarship, and performed with distinction as a member of a varsity team specifically represented by local, conference, regional and/or national athletic recognition. The nominees also must have conducted themselves, both on and off the field, in a manner that has brought credit to themselves, their institution, intercollegiate athletics, and the ideals and objectives of higher education.
The ACC has selected postgraduate scholarship recipients annually since 1971. Over that time, the league has provided nearly $5.8 million to over 1,000 ACC student-athletes.
The following student-athletes will be recognized as 2026 ACC Postgraduate Scholars:
Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Award Recipients
Name, Sport, Institution
Ask Ekeland, Men's Soccer, Boston College
Eva Kluskens, Field Hockey, Boston College
Matthew Waddell, Men's Rowing, California
Olivia Sharratt, Field Hockey, California
Isabella Rawl, Women's Golf, Clemson
Paris Masaracchia, Women's Lacrosse, Clemson
Charles Johnson, Men's Lacrosse, Duke
Sydney Smith, Women's Lacrosse, Duke
Audrey Koenig, Women's Beach Volleyball, Florida State
Tommaso Baravelli, Men's Swimming and Diving, Florida State
Alejandra Cruz, Women's Tennis, Georgia Tech
Joe Fusile, Football, Georgia Tech
Chloe Cuzzupe, Field Hockey, Louisville
Roman Kuleshov, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Louisville
Robert Joseph, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Miami
Sarah Sensenbrenner, Women's Swimming & Diving, Miami
Gwendolyn Fink, Women's Gymnastics, North Carolina
Trevor Paschall, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, North Carolina
Aidan Payne, Men's Soccer, NC State
Grace Hartman, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field, NC State
Julia Clavi, Women's Rowing, Notre Dame
Thomas Ricciardelli, Men's Lacrosse, Notre Dame
Claire Jansen, Women's Swimming & Diving, Pitt
Elise Evans, Women's Soccer, Stanford
Emma Muchnik, Women's Lacrosse, Syracuse
Ruben Rojas Betanzos, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Syracuse
Lauren Kenah, Field Hockey, Virginia
Nick Hamilton, Wrestling, Virginia
Kylie Aldridge, Softball, Virginia Tech
Lauren Hargrove, Women's Soccer, Virginia Tech
Amelia Eve Frey, Field Hockey, Wake Forest
Paige Elizabeth Crawford, Women's Volleyball, Wake Forest
Jim & Pat Thacker Scholarship Award Recipients
Name, Sport, Institution
Olivia Sharratt, Field Hockey, California
Roman Kuleshov, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Louisville
Thomas Ricciardelli, Men's Lacrosse, Notre Dame
2026 ACC Excellence Award List
Name, Sport, Institution
Luca Lombardo, Football, Boston College
Shea Baker, Women's Lacrosse, Boston College
Jasper Smith-Gordon, Women's Gymnastics, California
Torre Anderson, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field, California
Aidan Knaak, Baseball, Clemson
Gabrielle Clark, Women's Gymnastics, Clemson
Aidan Maguire, Men's Lacrosse, Duke
Andie Smith, Women's Golf, Duke
Sophia Nguyen, Women's Soccer, Florida State
Anna Hadjiloizou, Women's Swimming & Diving, Georgia Tech
Drew Burress, Baseball, Georgia Tech
Izzy Bianco, Field Hockey, Louisville
Hannah Sherman, Volleyball, Louisville
Chiara Pellacani, Women's Swimming & Diving, Miami
Rueben Bain Jr., Football, Miami
Keaton Vo, Men's Golf, North Carolina
Reese Brantmeier, Women's Tennis, North Carolina
Anthony Carter Jr., Football, NC State
Leah Klenke, Women's Soccer, Notre Dame
William Donovan, Men's Lacrosse, Notre Dame
Jackson Gilman, Men's Soccer, Pitt
Enzo Panozzo, Men's Soccer, SMU
Mackenzie Lee, Women's Golf, SMU
Brandy Atuatasi, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field, Stanford
Zach Buckey, Football, Stanford
Benjamin Campbell Reide, Men's Rowing, Syracuse
Dana Shearer, Women's Rowing, Syracuse
Gary Martin, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Virginia
Lia Godfrey, Women's Soccer, Virginia
Kylie Aldridge , Softball, Virginia Tech *
Lauren Hargrove, Women's Soccer, Virginia Tech *
Cooper Andrew Flax, Men's Soccer, Wake Forest
Dhakshineswar Suresh Ekambaram, Men's Tennis, Wake Forest
*also a recipient of the Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford-Award
About the Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Award
The Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Award is named in honor of former ACC commissioners Jim Weaver, Bob James, Gene Corrigan and John Swofford. The league's first commissioner, James H. Weaver, served the conference from 1954-70 after a stint as the Director of Athletics at Wake Forest. His early leadership and uncompromising integrity are largely responsible for the excellent reputation enjoyed by the ACC today.
Robert C. James, a former Maryland football player, was named commissioner in 1971 and served in that capacity for 16 years. During his tenure, the league continued to grow in stature and became recognized as a national leader in athletics and academics, winning 23 national championships and maintaining standards of excellence in the classroom.
Eugene F. Corrigan assumed his role as the third full-time commissioner on September 1, 1987, and served until August of 1997. During Corrigan's tenure, ACC schools captured 30 NCAA championships and two national football titles.
John Swofford was named the fourth commissioner of the ACC on July 1, 1997, and served until June 2021. He was instrumental in starting in the launch of the ACC Network. ACC programs won 92 national titles in 19 sports while he was commissioner.
Before 1994, the Weaver-James postgraduate scholarships were awarded as separate honors, including the Jim Weaver Award, the Marie James Award and the Bob James Award.
About the Thacker Award
The Thacker Award, which originated in 2005, is awarded in honor of the late Jim and Pat Thacker of Charlotte, North Carolina. Jim Thacker was the primary play-by-play announcer for the ACC's first television network. Recipients of the award must demonstrate outstanding performance both in athletic competition and in the classroom and intend to further their education through postgraduate studies at an ACC institution.
About the ACC Excellence Award
The ACC Excellence Award recognizes outstanding graduates from our ACC member institutions. The goal of the award is to highlight the students embodying the student-athlete ideal. The brand of the ACC is our strong history of providing world-class education and competition. The awardees are exemplary students, athletes, and contributors to the community and society and serve as an example to their fellow students.
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