Four Blue Devils Receive ACC Postgraduate Scholarship Awards

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke standouts Charles Johnson, Sydney Smith, Aidan Maguire and Andie Smith were honored Wednesday as the ACC announced its 2026 awards. 
 
Johnson and Sydney Smith were two of 33 student-athletes to receive Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship awards, while Maguire and Andie Smith were two of 33 student-athletes named to the ACC Excellence Award list. 
 
“Each year, our ACC Postgraduate Scholarship recipients redefine what it means to be a student-athlete,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “This year’s 63 honorees exemplify the relentless drive, leadership and integrity that distinguish the ACC both academically and athletically. Their ability to pursue excellence at the highest levels of competition while thriving in the classroom speaks volumes about their character and commitment. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and remain fully committed to supporting their continued success beyond their collegiate careers.”
 
The Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford postgraduate scholarships are awarded to selected student-athletes who intend to pursue a graduate degree after completing their undergraduate requirements. Each recipient will receive $9,000 toward his or her graduate education. Those honored have performed with distinction in both the classroom and their respective sport while demonstrating exemplary conduct in the community and were chosen by a vote of the league’s FARs at the ACC Winter Meetings.

A consensus preseason All-America pick, Johnson is the anchor to Duke men’s lacrosse close defense. After a breakout junior season in which he garnered USILA All-America second team honors, the senior captain is back leading the seventh-ranked Blue Devils. Johnson, after registering 32 caused turnovers to tie for second in Duke single-season history, has picked up right where he left off and leads Duke with five caused turnovers and 11 ground balls after three games.

 

With Johnson leading the charge, the Blue Devils are holding teams to seven goals per game and to just 23 percent shooting. Duke has yet to give up more than eight goals in a game this season and recently held Vermont to just six tallies.

 

Playing in just 26 career games, the Riverside, Connecticut native has 38 career caused turnovers and is only 13 shy of tying for 10th in Duke career history. An elite student in the classroom as well, Johnson will graduate in May with a degree in political science. 

 

Sydney Smith has…