New scholarships for student-athletes

Student-athletes considering Nipissing University for their post-secondary education have an added incentive to join the Lakers. Nipissing is pleased to announce new scholarships worth up to $4,000 per year, for qualified students playing on a Lakers varsity team, beginning this fall. 
The scholarships will reward returning student-athletes who demonstrate academic success and will support varsity coaches in recruiting new Lakers players.

“This funding will have a tangible and positive impact on Nipissing’s student athletes,” said Sara Dorval, fourth-year Biology student at Nipissing and varsity women’s soccer team player. “Being a student-athlete is a big time commitment; you need strong time-management skills and discipline to succeed in the classroom and on the court, field or ice. It is a commitment that leaves little time to work while in school, which is why student-athletes will be so appreciative of these new scholarships.”

The funding is being introduced in addition to regular academic scholarships and bursaries. To qualify for the awards, entering student-athletes must have an academic average of 80 percent or higher, while returning athletes must maintain a 70 percent average.

“This is a welcome investment in Nipissing’s student-athletes and in our athletics program in general,” said Kayla Fitzsimmons, president of the Nipissing University Student Union. “As students, we are very proud of our student athletes. They are great ambassadors for our school and cheering them on against other universities adds to the student experience.  We are very happy that Nipissing can provide financial support our student-athletes.”

“We are extremely pleased by the support of the university in providing the necessary assistance to fund these scholarships,” said Vito Castiglione, director of athletics at Nipissing. “This funding provides our coaches with a key tool to help recruit top student-athletes for our teams so that we can build strong and successful programs.”

In September 2013, approximately150 student-athletes will attend Nipissing University and compete as Lakers in men’s and women’s cross country running, hockey, nordic skiing, soccer and volleyball.