Reflecting the shared values of Maryville and Stan Musial, this scholarship supports student-athletes demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and academic excellence.
[ST. LOUIS, MO – November 23, 2024] – Maryville University proudly announces Ella Brinkmann, a standout women’s volleyball player, and Ryan Herman, a decorated men’s wrestler, as the 2024 recipients of the Stan Musial Scholarship. This prestigious award, established in partnership with Stan the Man, Inc., honors student-athletes who embody the values of integrity, leadership, and commitment to their sport and community, qualities exemplified by the baseball legend Stan Musial.
“Maryville is proud to award the Stan Musial Scholarships to Ella and Ryan, who embody the values that Stan Musial held dear—excellence in sports, character, and dedication to community,” said Dr. Mark Lombardi, president of Maryville University. “Their accomplishments and leadership on and off the field reflect the high standards we uphold at Maryville. We are excited to see the positive impact they will continue to make.”
Ella Brinkmann: Women’s Volleyball
Ella Brinkmann has made a significant impact on Maryville’s volleyball program, recently becoming the first Maryville player to be named the GLVC Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week. With nearly 1,000 career kills and 1,000 digs, she stands poised to make history as Maryville’s first player to achieve both milestones. Ella has consistently excelled on the court, with six straight double-doubles this season and numerous accolades, including a second-team All-GLVC selection for two consecutive years.
Ryan Herman: Men’s Wrestling
Ryan Herman, known as the “St. Clair Sensation,” has achieved remarkable success in men’s wrestling. A 2024 NCAA DII All-American, Ryan placed seventh at the DII Nationals and defeated the No. 1 ranked wrestler in the heavyweight class. With 33 wins this year, Ryan also earned the title of Super Regional 4 Champion and was named Maryville University Male Student-Athlete of the Year. His resilience and dedication have inspired teammates and coaches alike.
Brittany Fennell, athletic director at Maryville University, commended both students, stating, “Ella and Ryan are remarkable student-athletes who lead by example. They represent the very best of Maryville’s athletic program, not just through their achievements but in their dedication to their teams and the Maryville community. We are thrilled to see their hard work recognized with this honor.
The Stan Musial Scholarship is about honoring students who excel with humility and respect for others, just as Stan Musial did. “Ella and Ryan have distinguished themselves through grit, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their sport and studies,” said Marc Schreiber, president of the St. Louis Sports Commission. “We are proud to celebrate their success and the legacy of Stan Musial through this scholarship.”
For more information about the Musial Scholarship and Maryville University’s commitment to supporting exceptional student-athletes, visit www.maryville.edu.
About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of 9,000 students. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 17,000 Maryville alumni work and live in the St. Louis region.