Detroit Mercy’s Weaver, Green Bay's Johnsen Claim Horizon League Post-Graduate Scholarship Awards
INDIANAPOLIS – Detroit Mercy men’s soccer player Garret Weaver and Green Bay swimming and diving student-athlete Logan Johnsen have been named the recipients of this year’s Horizon League Post-Graduate Scholarship Award, as voted on by the League’s Faculty Athletic Representatives, announced the HL on Friday.
“It is a distinct pleasure to recognize Garret and Logan as our Horizon League Post-Graduate Scholarship Award winners,” said Horizon League Commissioner Julie Roe Lach. “These extraordinary students exemplify our core values as they embody our commitment to support the college educational experience through sports. We are proud of their achievements and wish them the best as Garret pursues a medical degree and Logan pursues a doctorate in physical therapy.”
Since 2014, the Horizon League has annually provided a post-graduate scholarship to a male and female student-athlete who exhibit excellence in the areas of academics, leadership, service, and athletics. Each of this year’s recipients will receive $5,000 to be used for graduate school expenses.
Weaver majored in biology with minors in psychology and leadership at Detroit Mercy and will graduate later this spring with a grade-point average just under 3.90 and has been accepted to continue his education at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine.
"Financing my medical education has always been a worry of mine the last several years,” said Weaver. “Playing for a conference that supports growth and financial aid of their student-athletes after conclusion of their collegiate career means a lot to me, as well speaks volumes about the character and goals of the Horizon League. I could not be happier to be selected for this honor, and I appreciate Detroit Mercy and the Horizon League for all they do for their former and current student athletes."
Weaver was a rock in the Detroit Mercy lineup as he started in 68 of his 71 career matches including starting in 67-straight matches for the Titans. Last year, he received the Horizon League's Cecil N. Coleman Medal of Honor, the highest individual award given by the conference and the Detroit Mercy Athletic Department's President's Award winner. In 2019 he was named to the All-Horizon League Second Team and played every single minute of action during the season en route to being named the team’s MVP. Over his career at Detroit Mercy, he finished with three goals and three assists.
Johnsen majored in human biology with an emphasis in exercise science and a minor in human development at Green Bay and maintained a near-perfect GPA. She has been accepted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
“Receiving this award is truly an honor, it means a lot to me that the Horizon League supports me in my pursuits outside of being an athlete,” said Johnsen. “I'm very grateful for all that the Horizon League and the University of Wisconsin Green Bay has offered me as a student-athlete. I cannot thank everyone on my journey enough including friends, coaches, and teammates for helping me to this point. I'm excited for the future as I continue my education with the help of this scholarship.”
Johnsen began her career as a sprinter but ends it as a distance athlete as she competed in the 1650-yard freestyle, 500 free and 400 individual medley. She had her best Horizon League Championship this past season as she finished fifth in the B Final of the 400 IM and 11th in the 1650 free, while also being a member of the 800 free relay team. She also holds a top-10 time in program history in the 1650 free.
To be eligible for the scholarship, student-athletes must meet criteria in four distinct categories — academics, athletics, service and leadership. The recipient must have an overall minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent, have competed with distinction as a member of a varsity sport, exhibited quality time working in the community/university in providing service to others, and demonstrated leadership qualities as a student at their institution and as a member of their intercollegiate program.