Men's Soccer Southern Conference

Davidson Soccer Standout Earns Postgraduate Scholarship

DAVIDSON, N.C. - Davidson senior soccer defender Justin Porter was recently selected as the recipient of the David Knight Scholarship for graduate study awarded by the Southern Conference. Porter is the first-ever individual to earn the award that honors the late Dr. David Knight, a former UNC Greensboro professor and Faculty Athletics Representative. Dr. Knight's long service to the SoCon as well as to the NCAA brought prestige to the league as well as unparalleled integrity to intercollegiate athletics.

The scholarship carries with it a $2,500 stipend to be used by a male or female scholar-athlete for graduate study. Porter and six other student-athletes who received the various postgraduate scholarships will be recognized at the Southern Conference Honors Dinner on June 2 in Hilton Head, S.C. The postgraduate scholarships are part of the TIAA-CREF Academic Awards Program.

"Justin's intellect, leadership and performance have been a joy to watch blossom," said head coach Matt Spear. "He has represented the program with the pride and passion we highlight and has been instrumental in our progress."

Porter came to Davidson as the first male recipient of the Bryan Scholarship, the most prestigious scholarship the college offers for student-athletes. He has been a mainstay in the Wildcat soccer starting lineup since his arrival. The native of Norman, Okla., had a stellar senior year, leading the Wildcat defense to a 0.85 goals against average, allowing just 20 goals in the 23 contests. Porter earned second-team all-conference honors and was named to the 2003 NCCSIA University Division All-State Men's Soccer Team.

Porter and the Wildcats set a new single-season school record with 10 shutouts this year, recording three in the Southern Conference Tournament to take the league crown and earn an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. The defender was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District first team the past two seasons.

Porter has been involved in numerous leadership and volunteer activities, including the Student Government Association, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, studying abroad at Oxford and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. A psychology major with a chemistry minor, Porter has plans of attending medical school beginning in the fall of 2004.