The University of South Carolina Men’s Rugby Club will award a record 38 Smolka Scholarships to returning players for the 2025-2026 academic year with an outlook for 51 by years end.
The renewal awards represent more than $450,000 in cash and tuition awards for returning student athletes. Annual tuition for out-of-state students is $35,972 per year. The Smolka Scholarships provide $16,600 in annual gifts and tuition reduction bringing costs to $19,372 annually. The rugby scholarships also provide annual $500 grants to in-state students and residents of Queensland, Australia, who attend USC at in-state tuition costs.
Annual tuition costs for South Carolina and Queensland residents was $12,688 for the 2024-25 academic year. Through a Sister-State agreement adopted in 2020 between the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the State of Queensland, Australia, students from Queensland may attend the University of South Carolina at in-state tuition rates.
All Smolka Scholars must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and be in good standing with the university and men’s rugby club.
The Smolka Scholarships were established in 2015 by Jeffery Smolka, a 1988 USC assistant and former captain, player and head coach for the Gamecocks. Since Coach John Roberts joined the program as head coach in 2021, Smolka and his family have contributed considerable financial resources to expand scholarship offerings from 8 to 51, amplifying Gamecock Rugby recruiting value and draw.
“Our players, coaches and alumni are eternally grateful for Jeff and his family. Coach Smolka is our top donor and a beloved coach. His efforts are transforming our program,” said Coach Roberts. “Jeff is extremely detailed oriented and puts many hours into managing our scholarship program.”
In addition to returning players, USC rugby is planning to award approximately seven scholarships to our fall 2025 incoming class and six in spring 2026. Those applicants, all accepted students, should submit their application by the end of March. Applications are reviewed by Roberts, Smolka and a player-led scholarship committee. Fall Applicants will be notified of their fall scholarship status in April.
To apply and learn more about our scholarships, visit our Smolka Scholarships webpage.
Returning Player Scholarship Recipients:
Erik Elken, Pennsylvania
AJ DeAngelis, Connecticut
Alexander Leon, New York
Alexander Toglia, Connecticut
Bryson Mobley, South Carolina
Carter Saleeby, South Carolina
Charles Dwyer, Australia
Charlie Feehen, England
Charlie Gorman, New York
Charlie Phelan, Pennsylvania
Cole Maney, New York
Connor McPhail, Virginia
Evan Deutsch, Wisconsin
Freddie Thomson, Scotland
Gavin Curran, New Jersey
Grant Ruhlen, Virgina
Hunter Smith, North Carolina
Jack Edwards, Connecticut
Jack Gallagher, Pennsylvania
James Franchock, New York
Jonus Hulbert, Maryland
Joshua Cancro, Pennsylvania
Kevin Golden, New York
Landen Day, South Carolina
Matt Morrow, Pennsylvania
Max Hendry, Scotland
Michale McQuaid, New York
Nick Clarke, North Carolina
Nick DuBois, Maryland
Paul Cervelloro, Pennsylvania
Pierson Braddock, South Carolina
Quinn Lafferty, New York
Ronan Mullaly, New York
Stergos Trintis, Maryland
Tom Brady, Florida
Will Mahaffey, North Carolina
Will McKernan, Pennsylvania
Zack Coetzee, Georgia