McLean County Times

Seniors Taylor Babec and Lily Summers from Illinois Wesleyan University's women's volleyball team have been named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team. The announcement was made on December 12th, recognizing their achievements both on the court and academically.

Eligibility for this award requires student-athletes to have participated in 90% of sets or started 66% of matches during the season while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.50. Babec and Summers were instrumental in the Titans' successful season, which concluded with a record of 17-13 and participation in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin tournament.

Taylor Babec, majoring in kinesiology and allied health with a minor in sports management, appeared in all 30 matches this season, starting in 26. As a middle hitter, she was second on her team with 63 blocks, including 12 solo blocks. She also achieved 145 kills, 60 digs, 24 aces, and 16 assists over the season. Her performance places her at 14th in program history for average blocks per set.

Lily Summers is pursuing a nursing degree and received her second consecutive CSC Academic All-District honor. She played in 29 matches for Illinois Wesleyan University, starting in 17. This year marked her strongest collegiate season with significant contributions: she was second on her team with both points (213) and kills (192), along with adding to her record through digs (166), blocks (23), assists (10), and aces (8). Summers achieved personal bests this season: career-highs include recording 14 kills against Bowdoin College on October 20th and making four aces against Wheaton College on October 25th.

The CSC Academic All-America teams are scheduled for announcement on January 9th at noon ET.