University of Northern Iowa Athletics
UNI men’s basketball: Schmitt awarded NCAA postgraduate scholarship
5/12/2025 12:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Former Panther guard named one of 42 winter sport recipients of financial aid to support graduate studies.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- Former UNI men's basketball guard Cael Schmitt has been named one of 42 winter sport recipients of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Postgraduate Scholarship Program, as announced by the NCAA office.
Each year, the NCAA awards up to 126 postgraduate scholarships to student-athletes who have completed their final year of athletics competition across all three NCAA divisions, and who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, athletic excellence and leadership within their communities.
The scholarships are distributed three times annually — in the fall, winter and spring — providing 21 scholarships each to men and women per season. The award is a one-time, nonrenewable scholarship intended to support graduate study at an accredited institution. The program evaluates candidates on their athletic and academic achievements, campus involvement, community service and leadership.
Schmitt, a Dubuque, Iowa native who transferred to UNI in 2024, averaged 4.4 points per game in 15 appearances for the Panthers after transferring from Division III Coe College in Cedar Rapids. In his lone season at Northern Iowa, Schmitt shot 35.5% from the field, including 35.9% from beyond the three-point arc. He scored a season-high 12 points in the Panthers' home win over Bradley this past year, while also recording a season-best three steals against SMU in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
UNI men's basketball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Men's Basketball), X (@UNImbb) and on Instagram (@uni_basketball). The schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
