Illinois State University had an impressive showing with 17 student-athletes named to the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Team, showcasing their academic excellence while competing in track and field. Notably, six athletes achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs across various majors, representing fields such as nursing, construction management, and exercise science. The women’s team set a program record with a 3.56 team GPA this spring, while the men's team achieved a record 3.38 GPA. Eligibility for this recognition required maintaining a GPA of 3.50 or higher while meeting athletic competition criteria.

By the Numbers
  • 17 Illinois State athletes selected for the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team.
  • 6 athletes achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA.
  • Women's team recorded a program-best 3.56 GPA, men's team 3.38 GPA.
State of Play
  • The women's track and field team significantly outperformed previous GPA records.
  • Men's team also achieved a program-best GPA this spring, indicating strong academic performance.
What's Next

As the academic year progresses, Illinois State aims to continue fostering academic excellence alongside athletic competitiveness, potentially increasing the number of scholar-athlete selections next year.

Bottom Line

Illinois State's achievement in the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team not only underscores their commitment to academic rigor but also sets a benchmark for future student-athletes in balancing sports and education effectively.