The Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship is dedicated to helping students who have experienced the loss of a close family member or loved one and are in need of financial support to continue their education. This scholarship is valued at $10,200.

Cat Zingano, the inspiration behind this scholarship, faced immense personal challenges during her college years. Her mother's battle with stage 4 brain cancer took a toll on her family, and when her mother passed away in 2005, Cat had to navigate through profound grief, which made it difficult for her to focus on her education. Shortly thereafter, she became a mother herself, adding the responsibilities of raising a newborn to her already heavy load. In this challenging period, Cat found herself in need of assistance and deeply appreciative of the support and resources that were available to her.

Despite these hardships, Cat continued her education and later achieved significant success in her early career in mixed martial arts (MMA). However, tragedy struck again when her husband, who had been an integral part of her career and life, unexpectedly passed away in 2014. This loss was a devastating blow, as he played multiple roles in her life, from husband and father to coach and employer. Cat and her son were forced to adapt to a new reality, facing daily challenges that required tremendous strength and resilience.

Through these experiences, Cat Zingano has come to prioritize what truly matters in her life: raising her son. Whether in the arena of MMA or in the face of everyday difficulties, she exemplifies a relentless fighting spirit. She strives to show her son that despite adversity, one can't allow hardship to conquer their life and that a new sense of normalcy can be achieved even after tragedy.

Cat Zingano serves as an inspiration to many for her unwavering determination in all aspects of her life. The Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship seeks to honor her spirit and will be awarded to a student who, like Cat, is battling their own experience of losing a close family member, legal guardian, or a beloved individual. This scholarship aims to provide financial support to help these students continue their education as they move forward in their lives, just as Cat has demonstrated through her own journey.