CLEVELAND – Western Michigan gymnast Amanda Gruber has been honored by the Mid-American Conference as one of the recipients of the Bob James Memorial Scholarship.
 
The Bob James Memorial Scholarship Award recognizes one female and one male student-athlete who has achieved a minimum GPA of 3.50 and has displayed good character, leadership and citizenship. The student-athletes are nominated during the year in which they complete their final season of eligibility. The $5,000 post-graduate scholarship is awarded in honor of Bob James, the second commissioner in MAC history.
 
Gruber is a two-time MAC title winner on beam and helped the Broncos to a MAC Tournament Championship in 2024 and MAC Regular Season Championships in 2020 and 2023. Gruber is a three-time Academic All-MAC selection, a three-time WGCA Scholastic All-American and was a CSC Academic All-District selection in 2024. She is tied for the school record on beam with a score of 9.950, set back in 2022 against Michigan State. She also helped WMU to its highest point total ever in the NCAA Tournament in 2023.
 
"During her five years as a Bronco, Amanda distinguished herself as both an outstanding student-athlete and gymnast in our program," said Western Michigan head coach Penny Jernigan. "Her dedication and commitment to improvement played a crucial role in our achievements, and we take great pride in her accomplishments. We are confident that she will continue to strive for excellence. Receiving this esteemed scholarship is an ideal way to launch her pursuit of a new dream: a career in the medical field."
 
Gruber earned an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences and recently completed a graduate certificate in Holism & Contemplative Health.
 
"Amanda truly represents the best of our student-athlete culture at Western Michigan," said WMU Director of Athletics/Vice President Dan Bartholomae. "As a multiple time Academic All American, MAC Champion and NCAA qualifier, she leaves behind and unmatched legacy that we all take such pride in.  We are thrilled she has been recognized for this prestigious award and can't wait to watch her shine."