McLean County Times

Seven athletes from Illinois State University have been recognized by the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) for their academic and athletic achievements. The MVC Scholar-Athlete teams, selected by the conference's softball sports information directors, were announced on Tuesday.

Juniors Delainey Bryant and Addison Masching received First Team honors. Bella Wilkerson, Kaili Chval, Abby Knight, Hannah Meshnick, and Abby Horton were named to the Second Team.

Delainey Bryant, a junior from Mattoon, Illinois, has been honored with her second MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team selection. She was also a 2024 First-Team All-MVC selection and led the Valley in hits with 60 during the season. "Bryant boasts a 3.95 GPA in Elementary Education," highlighting her academic prowess alongside her athletic achievements.

Addison Masching from Pontiac, Illinois, earned her first MVC Scholar-Athlete Team honor while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA in Physical Education. Her performance included three home runs this season.

Bella Wilkerson of Mokena, Illinois, achieved career-highs in several categories including hits and putouts while maintaining a 3.88 GPA in Public Relations.

Graduate student Kaili Chval from Aurora played her last game for the Redbirds this season and graduated with a degree in Exercise Science with a 3.71 GPA.

Abby Knight of Bloomington received her second nod to the MVC Scholar Athlete team while holding a 3.85 GPA in Public Relations.

Sophomore Hannah Meshnick from Hortonville earned recognition for striking out batters and saving games during the season while maintaining a perfect 4.00 GPA in Exercise Science.

Finally, sophomore Abby Horton from Crestwood also maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in Public Relations while setting several personal bests on the field.

The recognitions reflect both academic excellence and sporting achievements among these athletes at Illinois State University.