SAN BRUNO, Calif. – Gonzaga men's soccer player Chris Swider earned the West Coast Conference Postgraduate Scholarship award on Wednesday morning the conference announced.
 
At the conclusion of each academic year, the West Coast Conference announces its major individual year-end honors as a celebration of the best and brightest to represent the Conference and its member institutions. The WCC announced the 2025 Commissioner's Cup winner, All-Sports Award winners, Mike Gilleran WCC Scholar-Athletes of the Year, Postgraduate Scholarship recipients, WCC Sportsmanship Award winners and the #WCCRepresent Award winner.

Chris Swider has made a significant impact on Gonzaga University's men's soccer program. Hailing from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Swider joined the Bulldogs as a versatile forward/midfielder. At Gonzaga, Swider continued to showcase his offensive prowess. In the 2024 season, he made notable contributions, including scoring two goals in a 4-1 victory over Northwest (WA) on August 22 . His performances have been instrumental in the team's successes, reflecting his dedication and skill on the field. 

Off the field, Swider has earned a 3.64 GPA while earning a degree in Human Physiology. He was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team in 2023 and 2024 while also being named to the All-Academic Honorable Mention team in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

With his postgraduate scholarship, Swider plans to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree with the intention of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.  Swider is the eighth Bulldog to earn the award since its inception in 2004. He is the first Zag to receive the scholarship since former GU men's golf player Clayton Thatcher in 2023. 

To be eligible for a WCC Postgraduate Scholarship, a student-athlete must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25, demonstrate significant athletic contributions to his or her sport for a minimum of two years, and have a record of participation in campus or community activities. He or she also must submit a personal statement of intention to attend graduate or professional school for which this scholarship would be awarded.