SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara University All-America water polo player Stephen Hobbs has earned an NCAA fall sport postgraduate scholarship, one of just 29 male student-athletes nationwide to receive the award.

Hobbs, a native of nearby Walnut Creek, Calif. and 2007 graduate of Las Lomas High School, capped off an outstanding collegiate career at Santa Clara by being named an all-conference two-meter player and a 2010 Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) All-America Honorable Mention.

As the Broncos co-captain in 2010, Hobbs scored 35 goals, drew 44 kick-outs and six five-meter penalty shots to lead Santa Clara to an overall record of 19-15 and a final national ranking of No. 13.

His academic achievements are equally impressive, currently owning a 3.74 grade-point average while double majoring in Communication and Political Science. Hobbs has also been named to membership in the National Political Science Honor Society and is a four-time ACWPC Academic All-America honoree.

"(Stephen) Hobbs puts a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work into everything he does," said Santa Clara water polo head coach Keith Wilbur. "There is no doubt in my mind that his work ethic is the main reason for his success both academically and athletically."

The NCAA awards up to 174 postgraduate scholarships annually, 87 for men and 87 for women. The one-time, nonrenewable grants of $7,500 each are awarded for the fall, winter and spring sport seasons to NCAA student-athletes in their final year of eligibility.

The goal of the scholarship program is to recognize the athletics and academic achievements, campus involvement and community service, volunteer activities and demonstrated leadership of the recipient student-athletes.

"Santa Clara is an excellent academic school, and I find that student-athletes here are very focused on their studies," said Wilbur. "I think it is great they know the importance of academics and strive to find that balance where they can excel in the classroom, while also competing at the highest level in their sport."

For more information about the 2010 NCAA fall sport postgraduate scholarship click here.