McLean County Times

Illinois State University recently held its annual Redbird Student-Athlete Banquet at CEFCU Arena. The event, sponsored by the Illinois State Credit Union, recognized notable achievements within Redbird Athletics over the past year.

Kurt Pegler, who provides commentary for football and men's basketball broadcasts, served as the emcee. Both the Director of Athletics, Dr. Jeri Beggs, and University President, Dr. Aondover Tarhule, addressed those present, conveying gratitude and congratulations to the student-athletes for their accomplishments both academically and athletically.

Senior diver Eva Reyes, who is the president of the ISU Student Athlete Advisory Council, presented this year’s Redbird Cup. Senior gymnast Jaye Mack also addressed attendees, representing the senior class with expressions of gratitude and advice.

Recognition was given to award winners, who were invited on stage to receive their trophies. The list of ISU Athletics award recipients for the 2024-25 season included:

- Gymnastics team received the Team Community Service Award.

- Shai Robinson from baseball took home the Dr. Jim Johnson Phoenix Award.

- Maya Wong from women’s basketball was honored with the Laurie Mabry Award.

- Women's Cross Country/Track & Field claimed the Redbird Cup.

- Mekaila Aupiu from volleyball was named Female Newcomer of the Year.

- Will Sinclair from men’s cross country/track & field was Male Newcomer of the Year.

- Volleyball’s Khenedi Guest received Female Freshman of the Year.

- Jack Daugherty from men’s basketball was recognized as Male Freshman of the Year.

- Gymnastics’ Jaye Mack was honored as the Linda Herman Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

- The Doug Collins Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year was awarded to men’s basketball player Johnny Kinziger.

- Jinyoung Yun from women’s golf was named the Jill Hutchison Female Athlete of the Year.

- Baseball player Daniel Pacella took home the Milt Weisbecker Male Athlete of the Year.

Further information about Illinois State athletics, including tickets and merchandise, is available through GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App.