Air Force Wrestling's Luke Maki Named Barry Goldwater Scholar — Among First in Academy History
4/21/2025 3:28:00 PM | Wrestling
USAF ACADEMY, Colo. — C2C Luke Maki, a standout member of the Air Force Wrestling Team and native of Montana, has been named a 2025 recipient of the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship. Maki and his classmate, C2C Analise Migliaccio, are the first cadets in the history of the Academy to earn this highly competitive national honor.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award for students pursuing careers in research in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. It recognizes the country's most promising undergraduate researchers and future innovators.
C2C Maki, a life sciences biology major, is preparing to serve as a bio-chemical engineer in the United States Air Force. Known for his disciplined approach to both academics and athletics, Luke embodies the core values of the Air Force Wrestling program: integrity, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His achievement underscores the Academy's mission to develop leaders of character who are prepared to lead with innovation and impact.
"Luke's achievement is a powerful example of what it means to be a championship-caliber cadet-athlete," said Head Wrestling Coach Sam Barber. "He's a man of integrity, a relentless competitor, and a future officer who leads from the front. We're beyond proud of him."
Advancing the Air Force's Vision for Innovation and Leadership
Luke's selection as a Goldwater Scholar directly supports the United States Air Force's strategic goals of fostering intellectual leadership and advancing cutting-edge innovation. As a future officer and scientist, he represents the next generation of Air Force leaders—those who will not only be ready for combat, but who will also develop the technologies and solutions critical to national defense.
This historic recognition affirms USAFA's growing reputation as a hub for academic excellence and highlights how the Academy continues to produce warrior-scholars prepared to lead in the most demanding environments.
Congratulations to C2C Luke Maki for this groundbreaking accomplishment and for representing the United States Air Force Academy and the Air Force Wrestling program with honor, grit, and distinction.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award for students pursuing careers in research in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. It recognizes the country's most promising undergraduate researchers and future innovators.
C2C Maki, a life sciences biology major, is preparing to serve as a bio-chemical engineer in the United States Air Force. Known for his disciplined approach to both academics and athletics, Luke embodies the core values of the Air Force Wrestling program: integrity, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His achievement underscores the Academy's mission to develop leaders of character who are prepared to lead with innovation and impact.
"Luke's achievement is a powerful example of what it means to be a championship-caliber cadet-athlete," said Head Wrestling Coach Sam Barber. "He's a man of integrity, a relentless competitor, and a future officer who leads from the front. We're beyond proud of him."
Advancing the Air Force's Vision for Innovation and Leadership
Luke's selection as a Goldwater Scholar directly supports the United States Air Force's strategic goals of fostering intellectual leadership and advancing cutting-edge innovation. As a future officer and scientist, he represents the next generation of Air Force leaders—those who will not only be ready for combat, but who will also develop the technologies and solutions critical to national defense.
This historic recognition affirms USAFA's growing reputation as a hub for academic excellence and highlights how the Academy continues to produce warrior-scholars prepared to lead in the most demanding environments.
Congratulations to C2C Luke Maki for this groundbreaking accomplishment and for representing the United States Air Force Academy and the Air Force Wrestling program with honor, grit, and distinction.
Players Mentioned
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