Per NIU Media Release:
Every Member of 2020-21 Team Named a WCGA Scholastic All-American
After finishing the last two years ranked third in the nation in the annual academic rankings compiled by the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA), the Northern Illinois University gymnastics team reached number one in 2020-21 as the Huskies’ 3.874 grade point average ranked first nationally among all NCAA programs.
NIU’s team GPA of 3.874 outdistanced second ranked Boise State (3.856) and No. 3 Springfield (3.854) in the rankings which includes women’s gymnastics teams across all NCAA divisions, with 75 total teams ranked in 2021. The Huskies have ranked in the top five of the WCGA’s academic list for the last three seasons.
“I am humbled by and so proud of the ladies,” said NIU head coach Sam Morreale. “It is an honor to lead such an outstanding group of student-athletes that have a desire to excel in the gym and in the classroom. It’s a competitive group who want to keep improving. Athletically, our goal is to continue to climb the mountain, but for this year, NIU is the academic national champions in gymnastics and it’s amazing.”
In addition, all 20 members of the 2020-21 NIU gymnastics team attained WCGA Scholastic All-America status for maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above. The Huskies were one of just four teams nationally to see the entire roster attain the honor (see names below). Eight NIU student-athletes recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA to help lead the way to the No. 1 academic ranking.
“For every student on our team to be a Scholastic All-American with a GPA of 3.5 or higher is an incredible accomplishment,” Morreale said. “Every one of our freshmen earned a 4.0, which is super impressive and shows the team culture of academic excellence that has been established.
“To attain that number one ranking while overcoming the challenges of COVID-19, which forced them to adapt to a different way to go to class, a different way to study, speaks to their dedication and commitment to doing well academically. Thanks to SAASS and especially [academic coordinator] Chris Ilsley, he helps us set the expectations. [Associate head coach] Nita Teague is a big part of encouraging and helping them stay on track and accountable. That being said, the accolades have to go to the student-athletes, they’re the ones getting the work done at such a high level.”
The academic success has mirrored the team’s success in the gym as the Huskies finished second at the 2021 Mid-American Conference Championships after winning the title for the first time in 2019. NIU posted a 10-10 record in 2021 and went 3-3 in MAC competition during the regular season.
2020-21 NIU WCGA Scholastic All-Americans
Alyssa Al-Ashari Fr. Lansing, Mich. (Grand Ledge)
Catherine Biddle Sr. Grand Rapids, Mich. (Forest Hills Central)
Nicolette DiPrisco Jr. Aberdeen, N.J. (Red Bank Catholic)
Jacklyn Dolitsky So. Commack, N.Y. (Commack)
Gillian Dolitsky So. Commack, N.Y. (Commack)
Kendall George Fr. Westerville, Ohio (Westerville Central)
Lauren Gomes Sr.-R Dix Hills, N.Y. (Commack)
Natalie Hamp So. Ionia, Mich. (Ionia)
Morgan Hooper Jr. Lincoln, Neb. (St. Pius X)
Grace Humphrys Fr. Cocoa, Fla. (Space Coast)
Tara Kofmehl Jr. Mesa, Ariz. (Red Mountain)
Mia Lord Sr. McCordsville, Ind. (Hamilton Southeastern)
Olivia Lynd Fr. West Chester, Ohio (Ursuline Academy)
Kelsey Martz Jr. Lima, Ohio (Delphos St. John’s)
Liana Roman Jr. Meriden, Conn. (Platt)
Ciara Ryan So. Crystal Lake, Ill. (Crystal Lake South)
Zoie Schroeder Sr. Champlin, Minn. (Champlin Park)
Brookelyn Sears 4So. Centerville, Ohio (Centerville)
Gabby Welch Sr. Greenbrier, Tenn. (Aaron Academy [Home School])
Isabelle West Fr. Northbrook, Ill. (Glenbrook North)