NEW ORLEANS – Mona Salgado of the LSU New Orleans Privateers beach volleyball team has been awarded the F.L. McDonald Scholarship presented by the Southland Conference annually to one men's and one women's student-athlete.
 
Salgado, who played with the Privateers for two seasons, recently earned her bachelor's degree in Management while attaining a 3.9 grade point average. Salgado also served as the Vice President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee at LSU New Orleans.
 
"There's not a more deserving student to receive this honor," said Phillip Pinkston, Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Services. "Not only is Mona an exceptional student, she's also one of the kindest people to represent the Privateers. In her time as an undergrad, she left a lasting impression on her team and the department with her consistent effort, calming presence, and willingness to support. She's the ultimate team player and I am glad to see her selflessness be rewarded."
 
The beach volleyball senior is the third Privateer to earn the scholarship, joining Alexander Saunier (Baseball-2025) and Markus Krieger (Golf-2017).
 
Salgado participated in many community service drives that included food drives, feeding the homeless and Christmas gift wrapping drives. Salgado also helped raise money through Chi Alpha campus ministry for families in need, which included numerous food, toy and clothing drives.
 
"Being a Division I athlete has helped shape me into the person I am today," said Salgado. "It has taught me how to manage pressure, stay disciplined and balance multiple responsibilities. I'm excited to continue to keep on learning and growing through these experiences that being a student-athlete has provided for me. I'm very grateful for collegiate athletics and it has taught me the value of hard work and the time that goes into it. I know it will continue to serve me into graduate school and my future career."
 
The F.L. McDonald is presented annually to one female and one male graduating student-athlete upon selection by the Southland Conference Faculty Athletic Representative Committee. The $5,000 scholarship must be applied to graduate study at an institution of the recipient's choice.
 
The award was established in 1996 in memory of Dr. F.L. McDonald, a former president of Lamar University and 1999 Southland Hall of Honor inductee. McDonald was serving as Lamar's president in 1963 when the Southland Conference was established. He is considered one of the league's founding fathers.
 
Salgado plans to pursue her Master's in Business Administration.
 
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