Seven Illinois State student-athletes were named to the 2025-26 Academic All-District庐 Men's and Women's At-Large teams by College Sports Communicators. This includes gymnasts Leah Davis, Jaly Jones, and Courtney Woods as well as women's golfers Elise Fennell, Reagan Kennedy, Dani Grace Schrock, and men's golfer Pietro Pontiggia. The selection honors top student-athletes for their excellence in competition and academics. All honorees demonstrated impressive performances throughout their respective sports and maintained high academic standards.

By the Numbers
  • Fennell achieved a 74.9 stroke average per round, tying for the eighth-most rounds at or under par in ISU history.
  • Pontiggia averaged 73.3 strokes per round and had 13 rounds at or under par over 13 tournaments.
Yes, But

While the seven athletes earned recognition, their achievements came amidst significant competition, with some facing challenges transitioning to new teams or balancing rigorous academic demands. Recognition could have varied based on differing criteria across sports.

State of Play
  • All seven athletes are already acknowledged for their academic excellence, highlighted by individual achievements in their sports.
  • The selection showcases Illinois State's commitment to balancing athletics with academic success across multiple disciplines.
What's Next

Following this recognition, the athletes will likely be considered strong candidates for further academic awards, including potential All-America distinctions based on their continued performance and academic achievements.

Bottom Line

This selection underscores the academic and athletic prowess of Illinois State athletes, showcasing not only their skills in competition but also their commitment to academic excellence, setting a high standard for future student-athletes.