McLean County Times

Illinois Wesleyan University assistant directors of athletic communications, Taiah Gallisath and Meredith Mahoney, have been named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) 30 Under 30 class. This announcement was made by the organization on December 3, 2024. Illinois Wesleyan is notable for being the only institution with multiple honorees in this year's class.

Gallisath and Mahoney are only the second pair to receive this recognition in the same year, following Stanford's Maddie Heaps and Scott Swegan in 2022. They also represent the second and third honorees from Illinois Wesleyan, joining former staff member Nicole Remedios who received the distinction in 2022.

Gallisath, now in her second year at Illinois Wesleyan, serves as the primary communications contact for several sports programs including women's soccer and men's lacrosse. She has been recognized nationally for her writing with awards such as the NCAA Division III / CSC Identity award. "It is incredible to be nominated and receive the CSC 30 Under 30 Award alongside other phenomenal young professionals," Gallisath expressed gratitude towards her mentors and colleagues.

Mahoney, in her third year with Illinois Wesleyan, oversees communications for volleyball, tennis, and women's lacrosse teams. She is a national coordinator for CSC's Academic All-America program and serves as vice chair of its Young Professional committee. "I am incredibly honored to be named to the CSC 30 Under 30 list," Mahoney stated while acknowledging support from family, friends, and mentors.

Both Gallisath and Mahoney have contributed significantly to their department's success. Their efforts helped Illinois Wesleyan earn D3SIDA Region 4 Staff of the Year honors for the academic year 2023-24. Assistant Athletic Director Katie Gonzales praised them saying, "Taiah and Meredith are both so incredibly deserving of this recognition."